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.

• 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.

  OCC Programs

   Giles T. Brown Student Project and Research Symposium

  • "Initiated in 2016, The Giles T. Brown Student Project and Research Symposium was conceived by a group of faculty, staff and Deans who believe in the value of the relationship formed between a student and mentor when they explore their academic discipline together beyond the classroom.   The Symposium group provides a venue for all students from any field at OCC to showcase work they've done in class or independently.   We recognize that disciplines showcase work in different ways, so we have created a safe and supportive way for students to share posters, oral presentations, or exhibitions of work to their peers."

  Grey Whale Field Course

  • "The Gray Whale Ecology field course is a unique opportunity to learn about one of the longest migrations of any mammal ever recorded. This course has two components, including (1) a lecture course to learn about the natural history of gray whales and (2) a field component to visit gray whales in the shallow lagoons of Baja."

  
  

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  External Programs

  General 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.”

  National Science Foundation - Research Experiences for Undergraduates

  • "NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions."

  
  

  Biology

  University of California, Irvine - MARC and BRAiN Programs

  • “The Maximizing Access to Research Centers (MARC) and Broadening Research Achievement in Neurosciences (BRAiN) programs both seek to develop diverse undergraduate students who wish to be involved in research and transition to biomedical PH.D programs.”

  University of Alabama - Summer in Biomedical Sciences

  • "“SIBS provides an 8 week program where undergraduate students are instructed in the techniques of modern biology while becoming integrated members of a vibrant clinical and scientific community.”

  University of Iowa - REU in Microbiology
  

  • “REU in Microbiology at The University of Iowa seeks to foster the careers of the next generation of microbiologists. We do this by providing an intensive 10-week research experience for bright and ambitious undergraduates who are considering a PhD in microbiology or an allied discipline.”

   

  Chemistry

  Princeton University, New Jersey - Summer Undergraduate Research Program- Fellows in Chemistry

  • “This selective program provides unique laboratory experiences for qualified undergraduates, placing each student into research groups directed by our well-respected Faculty. Each student has the opportunity to play a part in cutting-edge research and be a contributing member of the research team. This is a paid internship.”

  
  

  Computer Science

   

  Engineering

  NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars

  • "NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) builds a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging two-year degree seeking students in authentic learning experiences. NCAS is a blended-learning experience comprised of a five week online course and a unique NASA experience. Students get a closer look at NASA’s unique missions, diverse workforce, and world-class facilities and learn how to develop their talents, interests, and passion to become future STEM professionals. NCAS offers the online course twice a year with NASA experiences happening throughout the year."

  
  

  Physics

  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.

  Biology

  Long Beach, CA - Aquarium of the Pacific

  • “Our Internships are typically offered in the fall, spring and summer and we accept applications year-round. All applicants should be organized, self-motivated, and have excellent people skills.  All internship positions are on a voluntary basis only; we do not offer paid intern positions.  Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the candidate.”

   

  Engineering

  U.S. Department of Energy - Community College Internship

  • “The Community College Internship (CCI) program seeks to encourage community college students to enter technical careers relevant to the DOE mission by providing technical training experiences at the DOE laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 16 participating DOE laboratories. They work on technologies or instrumentation projects or major research facilities supporting DOE’s mission, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers.”
• 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
• 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!
  
  

  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.