The mission of the North Orange County MESA Program is to develop in disadvantaged students, especially those from under-represented groups, the knowledge and skills that will enhance their interest and prepare them for professions requiring degrees in engineering, and other mathematics and science-based fields.

Locally, MESA involves a partnership between area schools, school districts, industries, and professional organizations. We serve students in 6th through 12th grades in six school districts and 18 schools. Major elements of the program include:

- Hands-on Projects
- MESA Day Competitions
- School-site MESA meetings (either as a class period or as a meeting before or after school)
- MESA Saturday Academies
- Academic Advising
- SAT/PSAT Preparation
- Study Skills Training
- Career & College Exploration
- Student Leadership Training
- Parent Involvement
- Professional Development for Teachers

Background

MESA was founded in 1970, coming to North Orange County ten years later. To the extent possible under California law, MESA encourages participation by students from groups that have been historically underrepresented at four-year institutions. Currently, there are twenty MESA centers around California. Collectively, these centers serve approximately 17,600 students at 271 schools. The MESA program in California has served as a model for similar programs in seven other states.

MESA's 40th Anniversary

This year, MESA is celebrating its 40th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, a number of educational leaders sent words of praise. We are proud that these prominent people recognize the many successes of the MESA program.
"MESA is a shining example of how educators, from primary to postsecondary, can form partnerships to work toward closing the achievement gap."
Jack O'Connell
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

"The MESA program is a critical component of the California State University's outreach efforts to get underserved students to take and master math and science classes in middle and high school. With those skills, they will be on the right track to succeed in college, and obtain degrees in the engineering, technology or science fields and enter the California workforce as robust contributors to the state's economic future."
Charles B. Reed
Chancellor, California State University

"Students often just need the right kind of academic support to succeed. MESA provides the right mix of tools to help students achieve in some of the most critical areas of study."
Jonathan Brown
President, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

"MESA helps us fulfill our commitment to excellence and equity in education for all of California's students. We are proud to serve as the statewide home for this innovative and effective program."
Mark Yudof
President, University of California

MESA is Successful!

In addition to encouraging students to learn about math, science, and engineering, MESA has worked to establish a college-going culture. Over 80% of MESA graduates go directly to college after graduation, compared to a statewide rate of 47%. While only 6% of California's African American, Latino American and American Indian high school seniors are eligible to attend a UC school, 41% of MESA seniors from these groups are eligible. On a local level, CSU Fresno MESA can point to the successes of numerous MESA alumni who have earned their bachelor's and higher-level degrees and gone on to serve their families and communities in a variety of math and science-based careers.

Anaheim Union High School District Office
501 Crescent Way
Anaheim, California 92803
Ph: 714-999-7718
Fax: 714-520-9754