The implementation of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program is under development at IVC, estimated to launch in Spring 2023. MESA is a college and career prep program, created to increase the number of economically and educationally disadvantaged students that achieve academic and career success in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
A vital element of the MESA program is “student clustering”: grouping students into the same science, technology, engineering, and math classes, and encouraging the use of study groups, critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and reasoning skills. The program aims to produce a diverse population of transfer-ready students, having prepared their STEM educational journeys for 4-year universities. Students in the program will benefit from professional development and internships, academic and transfer counseling, industry mentor pairing, and local industry connections fostering career opportunities.
While a permanent center is in the making, a temporary space will serve as a dedicated, multipurpose study center to house MESA workshops, community events, and support when the program launches in Spring 2023.