A Learning Community for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
We help thousands of educationally disenfranchised students become engineers, scientists, and other math-based professionals urgently needed by industry.
MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. MESA students receive a unique combination of enrichment activities, hands-on competitions, academic support, industry involvement, and a supportive community environment.
As a community center for STEM students, MESA provides students with information, resources, and support needed to advance academically and develop into STEM professionals:
- Tutoring in 300 and 400 level STEM Courses.
- Academic Counseling from a STEM Transfer specialist.
- Support throughout the transfer process.
- Scholarship & Internship opportunities for STEM students.
- Mini-Grants for innovative projects and research.
- Career development and professional leadership opportunities.
- Field trips, mentorships, and much, much more!
In addition to the center’s core services, MESA houses a number of programs designed to specifically support individual students.
Explore Our STEM Programs
Intel Community College Mentoring Initiative (CCMI)
The Intel Community College Mentoring Initiative is an opportunity for students studying computer science, electrical engineering, or software engineering to learn from mentors working at Intel. The mentors are experienced Intel professionals who have volunteered for the role and are excited to share their experiences and knowledge. In addition to getting the opportunity to share weekly communication with Intel professionals and learn about the field, students receive a certificate of completion (and gets Intel on their résumé).
STEM Honors
The STEM Honors Program is a partnership between the STEM Center and Honors Program through which dedicated STEM students are eligible to earn Honors Credit for advanced STEM Coursework. As part of the program, students collaborate with their instructors to identify ways to extend and enhance the content of their advanced courses, and perform independent research in their field. After completing an Honors Contract, students will receive credit towards the campus’s 15-unit Honors Certificate.
Women in STEM
The Women in STEM Initiative is a commitment by American River College and the STEM Center to better support women in the STEM fields, including through promoting career development, academic achievement, leadership, and engagement. Organized by student leaders, Women in STEM invites all students to join the conversation, and regularly brings in industry professionals and transfer students to share their experiences and provide guidance for students who are preparing to transfer and enter STEM careers.
Professional Development Program
The Professional Development Program (PDP) partners motivated STEM students with dedicated faculty. Participants then engage in a set of activities, which encompass academic growth in their chosen field, career development, public service, and personal enrichment designed to enhance their professional skills.
Research & Innovation Mini-Grant Program
The Research & Innovation Mini-Grant Program (formerly GEO) provides funding for students to do independent research, participate in a professional growth activity, develop a new project or idea, or explore off campus opportunities and resources. After applying and receiving approval, students will have until the end of the semester to conduct their research or growth activities. Upon concluding their research, students will present their findings to their colleagues at a STEM research symposium.
MESA Contact
Dean:
Adam Windham
Faculty Coordinator:
Dr. Mike Holmes
(916) 484-8662
Supervisor:
Brett Sawyer
SawyerB@arc.losrios.edu
Program Lead:
Dr. Laurel Richardson
Remote Services
Hours
Summer Hours
Monday - Thursday
11am-3:30pm
Location
Apply Now
Join a community of scholars dedicated to academic and professional success in the STEM fields.
"MESA has everything you need to enable your success."
Manharjot Singh
Student / Nutritional Biology / STEM / American River College
I joined MESA in 2010, almost as soon as I started at ARC with my first calculus class. It was where I went between classes to work on my homework and meet with all of the other students taking the core STEM classes we needed to work through to transfer to the UC of our choice.
MESA was a place for me to network and to receive the general higher education navigation advice that I could not receive otherwise as a first-generation college student. I obtained invaluable personalized guidance and attention from Dr. Will and Mathew Register.
Prior to transferring to UC Davis as a nutritional biology major, I was also fortunate enough to be able to contribute to — as well as further learn from — MESA, first as a tutor and then as a program assistant.
I am currently an M.D. candidate at St. George's University School of Medicine and have just completed my first term with a scholarship.
The support I received from the facilities at MESA has carried me to where I am, and my friendships and networks from within the MESA family have persisted and have been a blessing I could not have otherwise obtained.