The MESA Program was founded by the University of California and provides support for thousands of students who have not had the benefit of both generational academic and financial advantages and are from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields at four-year schools. MESA is new to AVC (first student members Summer 2024) to serve students in calculus-based STEM majors and planning to transfer to a four-year institution. Through a wide range of services, MESA helps develop the necessary academic and leadership skills to successfully transfer and later graduate from a four-year university with a degree in mathematics, engineering, or the sciences.

Are you a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) Major? Are you planning to transfer to a 4 year university? Spring 2025 MESA enrollment opens January 6, 2025, applications will be available in UH 272, the MESA Center.

The AVC MESA Program Goal:
Support and ensure students successfully transfer to 4-year colleges in math-based/science majors.

AVC MESA Offers
Academic excellence workshops, tutors in science and math, priority registration, professional development, academic/transfer counseling, internship and scholarship opportunities, dedicated study center, limited free prints monthly, free scantrons and greenbooks, workshops (both academic and life skills), community building and support, local industry connections, trips to universities, and priority standing for undergraduate research within Math, Science and Engineering.

Is MESA for you?
If you plan to pursue a career in a Science, Technology, Mathematics or Engineering field the answer is yes. MESA students will have access to the support and resources needed to matriculate through community college and transfer and successfully complete their bachelor degrees. MESA students are more likely to transfer to four-year institutions and graduate with technical degrees. 

MESA student eligibility and requirements (you must meet the following criteria):

• Declare a transfer major in a calculus-based math or science field
• Provide proof of financial need (i.e. complete the Federal Financial Aid Application)
• Be a US citizenship or permanent resident
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Enroll in >8 units during the Spring & Fall Terms

If you are unable to meet all of the requirements above, you can still participate as a MESAmigo.

First steps | Apply to attend AVC - Steps to apply

Resources to begin AVC successfully: Getting Ready Handout

Register for Classes: Registration Cycle

MESA Student Expectations:

• Complete program orientation
• Remain enrolled in >8 units during the Spring & Fall Terms
• Meet with an approved counselor or education advisor annually 
• Successfully enroll in consecutive terms with minimum 2.5 GPA
• Agree to notify the MESA program of any changes in your student status
• Abide by the AVC Student Code of Conduct
• Volunteer with the Science Olympiad Event at AVC 
• Attend >2 Academic Excellence Workshops or other MESA (MESA approved) activities each term
• Join and participate in the MESA Canvas page

MESA is currently not accepting enrollments. Students can begin enrolling for the Spring 2025 Term January 6, 2025.