Join MESA
Eligibility
To join the MESA program, students need to:
- Be a first-generation college student (parents/guardians do not hold a bachelor’s degree)
- Be a financial aid recipient at Orange Coast College (FAFSA or Dream Act on file)
- Pursuing a Calculus-based STEM major
- Working towards first bachelor’s degree
- Intending to transfer to a 4-year institution
Benefits
The benefits of the MESA program include:
- Dedicated space for study and recreation
- STEM counseling housed in the MESA Center, several days a week
- STEM tutoring referrals and MESA tutor led study groups
- Supportive, like-minded STEM student community including peer mentors
- Equipment loans (calculators, goggles, etc.)
- Scholarship, research, and internship opportunities
- Access to college campus trips, paid industry field trips, paid professional memberships, and other enrichment activities.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Not eligible for MESA? You may be eligible for the STEM Accelerator program!
The STEM Accelerator is an academic support program designed to empower low-income STEM students on their path to success.
Eligibility
To join the STEM Accelerator Program, students must:
- Be eligible for financial aid at OCC (low-income, FAFSA or Dream Act on file)
- Be pursuing any STEM major (no first-generation or calculus-base requirement)
Benefits
The benefits of the STEM Accelerator will include:
- Dedicated study area
- STEM counseling housed in the STEM Accelerator space
- Support from peer mentors
- Proximity to STEM tutoring and study groups
- Access to college campus trips, industry field trips, professional memberships, and other enrichment activities.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining one of these programs, please fill out the application. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you are encouraged to contact the MESA staff for more information: mesa@occ.cccd.edu
All information is completely confidential! You will need your Coast login information to apply.