MESA

Welcome to the Butte College MESA Program!

Are you considering or interested in pursuing a career in a STEM field? ... Yes!?

Then the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) Program at Butte College is for you! It can provide you with support and resources you need to successfully graduate and transfer to a four-year institution.

MESA forges a community of learners based upon academic achievement. It acts as a bridge to aid students in making successful transitions in their educational pursuits. Students who participate in the program are more likely to transfer to colleges or universities and major in technical fields.

The MESA Program at Butte College was established in 2001. We are an academic support program supporting underrepresented, economically disadvantaged, and educationally disadvantaged community college students. The MESA Program is dedicated to providing the resources and environment for Butte College students to succeed and transfer to four-year colleges in STEM-based majors. These majors include: Biology, Biological Sciences (must take Calc-30), Chemistry, Construction Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science (must take Calc-30), Geology, Mathematics, and Physics.

Our Mission!

Our mission is to help underserved and underrepresented students achieve success in STEM studies and careers. Our vision is to see California’s STEM workforce reflect the diversity of its population.

MESA achieves its mission and vision by providing students with a variety of support services, resources and opportunities. For example:

STEM Course Tutoring Dedicated academic/transfer counselor for MESA students MESA Center: place for collaborative learning and community building Study groups Mentoring by STEM Industry Professionals Academic development workshops X-Courses Professional development workshops

Priority registration Internship/REU opportunities MESA Student Leadership retreats College/STEM Industry tours Personal and social activities Parent and family involment events

Our History!

On the heels of the civil rights movement, a group of concerned educators and community activists in the California Bay Area created MESA. Its goal: provide the academic support, resources and career exploration needed to increase the number of minority students graduating from undergraduate engineering programs.

A grassroots effort that began with 25 students at Oakland Technical High School in 1970 has flourished into an award-winning program that serves almost 25,000 middle school, high school, community college and university level students throughout California each year. MESA’s long history with industry and its vast network of alumni are key components to success. (Learn More here)

Student Eligibility

According to the California Community College Chancellors Office (CCCCO) to be eligible to participate in the MESA Program you must meet the indicators below.

Community College Indicators:

• Student does not have a previous bachelor's degree in any field
• Students declared in a transfer major in a calculus-based Math, Engineering, or Science field
• Student must be enrolled in Math-20 "Trigonometry" or higher (Butte College MESA requirement)
• Student intends to transfer to a four-year institution
• Student must complete a Student Educational Plan (SEP) w/MESA counselor
• Student must agree to participate in Butte College MESA program activities and signs the student contract

Educational Indicators:

• Student must be a first-generation college student: Parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a bachelor's degree or higher level of education. You are still considered a first-generation college student if you have siblings who have completed college degrees.

Financial Indicators:

• Demonstrate financial need by receiving FAFSA, CADAA, or other financial need-based aid.

* If you do not meet all the above eligibility indicators, you may still qualify for the MESA program as an ASEM student.

* International students are not eligible to be a part of the MESA Program.

Who is an ASEM (Friend of MESA Student) Student?

ASEM students are those who do not meet all the above indicators. According to the California Community College Chancellors Office (CCCCO) students who do not meet the Educational or Financial indicators are eligible to participate in the MESA Program as ASEM students if they meet all the Community College Indicators. The MESA program has a limited number of spots available for ASEM students, and we may not be able to admit them each semester.

How do I apply to the MESA Program?

Please send an email to mesa@smcun.com to learn more about how to apply for the MESA program or stop by the MESA study center, located in the Physical Science building, Room 118.