The MESA Center

STEM support

• STEM Accelerator

  

  STEM Accelerator
  Accelerate. Achieve. Advance.

  The STEM Accelerator program is designed for students who are not first generation or in a STEM major that doesn't include calculus.  It is a dynamic academic support program designed to empower low-income STEM students on their path to success. Located at the heart of campus, the program provides dedicated STEM counseling, a welcoming study space, and easy access to tutoring, study groups, and peer mentors. Students benefit from enriching field trips and real-world industry exposure, all within a community focused on helping students to accelerate their progress, achieve their academic goals, and advance toward STEM careers.

   Examples of opportunities STEM Accelerator students have had access to:

  • California State University Fullerton Engineering and Computer Science Career Fair
  • University of California Riverside College of Natural Sciences Tour
  • Finals Sip and Study Session
  • End of semester board game party
  • Biology Student Mixer

   

  Check Your eligibility and Apply

    

• STEM and Research Programs

  Accepted MESA and STEM Accelerator students have access to an extensive and regularly updated list of research and STEM opportunities they can apply to. Programs are heavily promoted and shared with students to help prepare them for future careers in STEM.
  

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  External Programs

  Here are a few prominent opportunities for students in STEM
  
  

  California State University, Fullerton - Project Raise

  • “Selected students will gain first-hand experience in scientific investigation in a dynamic, collaborative research environment. Students will be matched with CSUF faculty who will provide training and support. In addition to research, participants will create a research poster and present their findings. Participants will receive a $5,000 stipend for their research and participation throughout the summer. Stipend limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents."
    
    

  University of California, Berkeley - Transfer to Excellence Research Experiences for Undergraduates

  • “The Transfer to Excellence Research Program provides research experience for undergraduates (REU) who are enrolled in community colleges. Opportunities currently available are broadly in engineering and science. The program is a nine-week hands-on research opportunity with UC Berkeley professors.”
    
    

  Harvard University - Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard
  

  • “The Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH) program connects undergraduates interested in a PhD with first-class researchers working in fields in the life and physical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. This is a 10-week paid internship.”
    
    

  Caltech - LIGO SURF

  • “Undergraduate students in physics, astronomy, and engineering are invited to participate in the development of gravitational-wave astronomy through Caltech LIGO Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program. Research awards include a summer stipend and travel funds.”
• Internships

  Accepted MESA and STEM Accelerator students have access to an extensive and regularly updated list of internship opportunities. MESA also helps holds workshops to prepare students for professional opportunities through resume building, networking advice, and interview prep.
  
  

  Examples of Past MESA Internship and Research Participation:
  
  TEAMNet Cal Poly Humbolt 24-25
  TEAMnet is a growing network of community college students and MESA directors working collaboratively with the Tree Function Lab at CalPoly Humboldt to monitor the responses of redwoods to climate change. Students in the project focus on tracking leaf traits that regulate how much fog redwood trees can absorb in their local climates.
  
  Project Raise Undergraduate Research Experience 24-25
  Students participate in an 8 week summer research program in collaboration with CSUF, working under the guidance and mentorship of CSUF faculty and culminating in a presentation of their research. 
  
  MESA Idea Accelerator Program 2025
  The MESA Idea Accelerator program engages undergraduate students in addressing community and societal challenges through the lens of the Human-Centered Design (HCD) process and entrepreneurship. Working in teams, students developed a solution and produced a marketable prototype pitch to present to a panel of judges.

  Sequencing to Success UCR Dynamic Genome Program
  Sequencing to Success is a two-day event where students participate in DNA extraction and analysis lab work. Students work with peers to identify DNA samples, learn about evolutionary relationships between fish species, and create an abstract and poster for their work.

• Guest Speakers

  Examples of Past Speakers and Topics at MESA Program Events include:

  • Physics Q&A with Dr. Arnold Guerra III
    • Careers in Physics
    • Paths into Academia
    • Questions about PHD and research
  • Engineering Q&A with Dr. Esposito
    • General questions on engineering and related careers
  • Careers in Environmental Science with Lotus Thai
    • Discussed experience, advice, and pathways in environmental science
    • Shared experience working on sustainability for Disney
• Field Trips

  Past MESA Trips:

  UCI Visit - Sep. 2024
  Took students on a tour of the University of California Irvine campus where they were able to hear from a panel of current students, see many of the STEM labs and facilities, and enjoy lunch on campus!
  
  

  National SHPE Convention - Oct. 2024
  Students were able to attend the annual SHPE Convention, this year taking place in Anaheim. Students were able to hear from amazing speakers, network, and meet peers in STEM
  
  

  UCR Visit - Mar. 2025
  MESA students will visit the University of California Riverside, exploring their College of Engineering, hearing from current engineering students at the university, and enjoying a tour of the campus as whole.
  
  

  UCI STEM Trip with CalTeach - Mar. 2025
  MESA students will get to take a trip of STEM facilities and resources on UCI's campus, while also getting to learn about the CalTeach program and meeting current participants.
  
  

  Mitutoyo America Showroom Trip - Sept. 2025
  MESA students will get to take a trip of STEM facilities and resources on UCI's campus, while also getting to learn about the CalTeach program and meeting current participants.