Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)

The MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program at Reedley College is designed to support community college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds as they pursue degrees in STEM calculus-based majors such as mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. MESA provides a wide range of academic support services, including collaborative study groups, skill-building workshops, and individualized counseling to assist with academic planning, transfer preparation, and career exploration. The program fosters a strong sense of community through connections with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, and offers access to essential resources such as computers, textbooks, and calculators. Students also benefit from professional development opportunities, including internships, research experiences, leadership training, conferences, and scholarship support. MESA is committed to increasing student success and persistence in STEM, with the goal of preparing participants to transfer to universities.

• Biology/Chemistry/Mathematics/Engineering/Physics/Computer Science/Any Calculus-based major
• Reedley College student enrolled in at least one of their declared STEM major courses
• Meet qualifying income levels - Any form of Financial Aid or support, Cal-Fresh, Medi-Cal
• First generation college student (parents have not earned a bachelors or higher)
• Intend to transfer to a four-year university
• Pre-Calculus or above math level

MESA Requirements 

If your answers match the MESA requirements below you may be eligible for services. 

1. Does your major require calculus? (Yes)
2. Do you plan on transferring to a university? (Yes)
3. Do you qualify for Financial Aid or other financial assistance? (Yes)
4. Do your parents hold a bachelor's degree? (No)

How to apply

1. Fill out the Mesa Interest Form
2. Intake with MESA Director for eligibility clearance
3. Applications being accepted for the 25-25 academic year

• University fieldtrips
• Transfer-ready counseling
• Dedicated MESA Center Study Space
• Free Snacks
• Free Printing
• MESA Study Group Sessions
• Professional and Peer Mentoring
• STEM-going Culture
• Textbook Lending
• Guest-Speaker Workshops
• Conference Sponsorships
• MESA Peer Development Coaching
• STEM Events and Volunteering Opportunities

1. Program Intake/Orientation: After submitting your interest form, you must schedule an intake/orientation session with the MESA Director to complete an MESA Application and determine eligibility.
2. RC MESA Tiger Paws Academy: Attend a mandatory RC MESA Tiger Paws Academy held every July while you are an active member of MESA. This academy focuses on community building and will allow new and returning MESA students to meet each other.
3. Semester MESA Counselor Contacts. a) Contact 1 - MESA Student Ed Plan at the beginning of the semester. b) Contact 2 - MESA Academic Success Plan as a mid-semester.
4. Attend four Power Hours related to your courses each semester.
5. Tutorial Hours: Complete at least 20 hours of study-space time per semester at the MESA Center, Math Center, Tutorial Center, or at any study labs on campus (e.g., TRIO, CAMP, Athletics, etc.) 
6. Attend two MESA Tiger Paws Academy sessions at the MESA Center with MESA Student Coaches. 
7. Workshops: Attend at least two MESA workshops during the academic year. All MESA workshops are geared toward building your career portfolio, which aims to assist you in applying for conferences, internships, scholarships, and transfer.
8. Be an active and enrolled Reedley College student. 
9.  

MESA Study Group Sessions 

Study with your MESA peers at designated times in the MESA Center

Subject Disciplines 

• Math - Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus 
• General Chemistry/Intro to General Chemistry
• Physics

Schedule : Schedules vary each semester. Visit the MESA Center to get the study group session calendar. 

• Do I have to reapply every semester?
  No. Once you have been admitted into the MESA program, you transfer out or become inactivated by not completing requirements.
• Do I have to fulfill every program requirement?
  Yes, program requirements are established to ensure you are participating and benefiting from MESA support services.
• I am a STEM major, but I do not have to take calculus. Do I qualify for MESA?
  No. All participants have to take calculus for their major. If you do not need calculus for your major, you do not meet program eligibility.
• I am a construction management major and have to take calculus. Do I qualify for MESA?
  No, that is a local decision. RC MESA supports calculus-based majors in the hard science disciplines.
• If I take a semester off due to personal reasons or academic probation, do I stay enrolled in MESA?
  No, MESA is designated for students persisting to the next semester. Students who take a semester off will have to reapply.
• What is the difference between a MESA and ASEM student?
  MESA students fully qualify and receive all program benefits of MESA. Achievement in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics (ASEM) students do not meet full program eligibility. They can utilize the MESA Center and tutoring services, but MESA cannot fund their participation in certain activities like fieldtrips, etc.
• Can I change my major when I am in MESA?
  Yes, you can always change your major. However, if you change your major to a non-calculus-based discipline, you will be inactivated from the MESA program.