*Scroll to the bottom if searching for opportunities to volunteer.*
The MESA program works to ensure all students in California have access to mentoring, experiences, networks and other resources they need in order to earn degrees in calculus-based STEM fields and pursue careers in STEM.
The Vision: To provide a rigorous and enriching academic program that encourages and fosters a college-going culture among students in the San Diego area and opens the door for careers in STEM, both locally and beyond. Through a core STEM curriculum, college and career seminars, professional development, and STEM challenges, MESA students will possess the academic, social, and cultural capital needed to succeed at all levels.
A spark of interest in STEM can positively change our students' path to success!
2024-2025 School Sites
Middle Schools: Bell Middle (92139), Challenger Middle (92126), Del Dios Academy (92029), Options Secondary (91911), Launch Academy (SWUSD - Virtual), Vista La Mesa Academy (91945), STEAM Academy (91977)
High Schools: Chula Vista High Tech High (91915), Crawford High (92115), East Village Middle College High (92101), Helix Charter (91942), Launch Academy (SWUSD - Virtual), Morse High (92114), O'Farrell Charter (92114), Options Secondary (91911), Southwest High School (92154), Sweetwater Union High (91950)
Districts/areas served: Escondido USD, San Diego USD, Sweetwater UHSD, Grossmont area
New to MESA? Get more insight here!
How Can I Participate?
Parents/Students: In order to participate in MESA, a student must attend a school that offers the program. If your child has a passion for math and science, wants to excel in these subjects and attend college in pursuit of a degree in a STEM field, please speak with your child’s guidance counselor or math/science teacher to find out if the school currently has a MESA program and if they are eligible to participate. See the list of school sites above. If the school does not currently have a MESA program, ask if there are plans to bring it to the school in the near future.
School administrator/Teacher: If you are interested in establishing a MESA program at your middle- or high school, please contact the MESA college prep center nearest to you. See the list of school sites above. MESA center team members will be happy to discuss the feasibility of offering the program at your location.
Volunteer Opportunities
SDSU MESA has volunteer opportunities throughout the academic year that are shared internally with our educational and professional partners. These opportunities can be (but are not limited to) introducing one's journey to success; insight on how to apply principles of engineering to STEM projects; exposure to careers within STEM industries in San Diego; or leading STEM hands-on activities! STEM challenges and competitions are also part of our year-round programming and judges are needed. You can submit inquiries for volunteer opportunities below:
For program inquiries, contact Luis Topete, MESA Program Director, at Ltopete@sdsu.edu.