MESA program honored for launching next generation of engineers, scientists

The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (
MESA
) program at Chapman University was recognized as among the county’s most outstanding engineering programs  by the
Orange County Engineering Council.


The council honored Chapman’s pre-college MESA program with the Engineering Project Achievement Award during its recent annual engineers’ week banquet. The banquet recognizes outstanding engineers, scientists, educators and engineering leaders in the Orange County area.

Chapman MESA director Vonna Hammerschmitt accepted the award during the event held Feb. 23.

“It is always a wonderful feeling when an organization outside of MESA recognizes the value of the opportunities the program provides to young people.  During this time when resources are tight for everyone, having professional engineers recognize the importance of the work MESA does elevates the program and separates us from our competitors,” said Hammerschmitt.

The Chapman MESA center opened just two years ago and already serves more than 1,100 students from 21 middle and high schools.

MESA’s pre-college program assists students at middle and senior high schools so they excel in math and science and become competitively eligible for academically rigorous colleges and universities. Through partnerships with teachers, administrators, school district officials, schools and industry representatives, students gain quality academic enrichment.

MESA is an academic preparation program that each year serves about 20,000 California pre-college, community college and university students who are educationally disadvantaged. Seventy-four percent of MESA high school graduates statewide went directly to college after graduation compared to 41 percent of all California graduates. Sixty percent of MESA students go on to math, science or engineering majors. For more information about MESA visit
mesa.ucop.edu
.