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? Enrollment in the MESA Program is closed for Fall 2025.

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 (AEW), tutors in the sciences and math, priority registration, professional development, academic/transfer counseling, internship and scholarship opportunities, dedicated study center, free prints, free scantrons and greenbooks, workshops (both academic and life skills), community building and support, local industry connections, trips to universities and STEM conferences, and priority standing for undergraduate research within the Math, Sciences and Engineering Division.

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 to 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 (you must meet all of the following criteria):

• Declare a transfer major in a calculus-based math or science field
• Provide proof of financial need (complete the Federal Financial Aid Application or Dreamers Application)
• Be a US citizenship, permanent resident or Dreamer
• Enroll in >3 units during the Spring & Fall Terms

MESA Students are Required to:

• Complete the program orientation.
• Complete or have completed both Transfer-level math and English in your first year in the program
• Remain enrolled in more than 3 units during the Fall and Spring terms.
• Meet at least annually with an approved counselor or education advisor and submit an updated Education Plan to the MESA office.
• Submit your unofficial transcript to the MESA office at the start of each term.
• Spend a minimum of 30 hours each term in the MESA Center.
• Maintain or improve your GPA and enroll in consecutive terms to ensure academic progress.
• Notify the MESA program promptly of any changes to your student status.
• Follow the AVC Student Code of Conduct at all times.
• Volunteer at the annual Science Olympiad Event hosted at AVC.
• Attend at least two MESA-approved activities and one volunteer opportunity each term.
• Participate in monthly MESA Forums to share experiences and feedback on operations, and to contribute ideas for MESA programming.
• Join and actively participate on the MESA Canvas page.

First steps | Apply to attend AVC - Steps to apply

Resources to begin AVC successfully: Getting Ready Handout

Register for Classes: Registration Cycle