About
At UC Santa Cruz, the MESA Engineering Program is an integral part of Student Excellence, Engagement, and Inclusion and provides advice in academic, career, social and cultural areas for students in the Baskin Engineering community.
Baskin Engineering strives to maintain an environment that stimulates excellence in scholarship and service along with a commitment to diversity through the coordinated efforts and services of the MESA university program. MESA is the university level component of the statewide system Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) engineering program of the University of California Office of the President.
The role of MESA
MESA offers a range of academic and personal support to help aspiring engineering students succeed academically. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college, first to enroll in computer science or engineering programs, or come from backgrounds with less financial resources and educational opportunities.
The MESA learning community enriches students’ undergraduate experience by fostering their active participation in services and activities — building a support network to encourage their progression to graduate school.
Participation policy
The MESA Success Plan Participation Policy started in 2012-13 with the goal of supporting the undergraduate experience for engineering students.
It is important that students actively participate and engage in various academic, student leadership and professional development activities.
Benefits to students
- Academic and personal advising, professional development workshops, faculty and alumni connections
- 24-hour access to a dedicated study center and computer lab with printer and internet access
- Tutoring, study groups, and tutor employment positions
- Individual lockers, lending library, and scientific calculator loans
- MESA sponsored events, such as the Student Leadership Conference and lab visits
- Scholarship opportunities and advice on financial support
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) support
- Engineering Summer Bridge program participation for new students, and student staff opportunities
- Community service connections, outreach, and involvement
Program Eligibility
Eligibility for MESA Engineering Program participation is intended for Baskin School of Engineering students who meet two or more of the following:
- Are the first in their family to attend a four year college/university
- May have limited financial resources or experienced socio-economic challenges (e.g. low income, financial need)
- Are from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups who typically do not pursue engineering studies
Students who have participated in pre-university service programs (e.g. Early Academic Outreach, Upward Bound, MESA Schools Program (MSP) or MESA Community College Program (MCCP), Talent Search, Puente, DEEP, Smith Scholastic Society, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
Give to the MESA Engineering Program
Your support matters! Continued contributions provide funding for scholarships and assistance that help sustain and enhance the MESA Engineering Program learning community.