MESA Program

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A Learning Community for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

We help thousands of 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.

Eligibility

Be either/or:
- A first-generation college student: Parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a bachelor's degree or higher level of education
- Attended a California high school with a graduation rate or math performance rate at the red or orange level (check high school ratings at California School Dashboard)
Intend to transfer to a four-year college/university
Not have a previous bachelor's degree in any field
Be majoring in a calculus-based STEM program approved by MESA*
Qualify for need-based financial aid

*Nursing, Pre-Health, and Allied-Health majors are non-MESA eligible programs.

Even if you don’t think you meet all the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply. There are special circumstances for which we may be able to make exceptions or share other resources!

MESA Member Benefits

Dedicated MESA Study Center: Exclusive access to a collaborative study space reserved for active MESA students to study, connect, and succeed together.
Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs): Peer-led workshops that help students master challenging STEM courses through collaborative problem-solving.
MESA Tutoring: Free tutoring for many STEM courses, including biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and calculus.
Academic Counseling and Transfer Planning: Meet with a dedicated MESA counselor for academic planning, transfer guidance, and personalized support.
Career and Professional Development: Build career-ready skills through resume workshops, interview preparation, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
Internships, Scholarships and Research: Discover internships, scholarships, undergraduate research, and other experiential learning opportunities.
University and Industry Experiences: Visit universities, attend STEM conferences, tour industry sites, and connect with employers and STEM professionals.
Mentorship and Professional Networking: Build relationships with faculty, alumni , industry mentors, and professionals who can support your academic and career goals.
Orientation and Student Success Workshops: Develop study strategies, time management, leadership, and other skills to thrive in STEM.

What is ASEM?

The Achievement in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics (ASEM) Program is dedicated to supporting students in STEM majors who do not meet the eligibility requirements of the MESA Program. ASEM members are excluded from MESA-sponsored trips and conferences.

ASEM students must meet one of our two eligibility options below:

Option A - Be a first-generation student and a declared calculus-based STEM major for transfer
Option B - Demonstrate financial need and a declared calculus-based STEM major for transfer.

The ASEM Program is specifically for Cosumnes River College students only; MESA is a nationwide program. ASEM provides tutoring services, professional development workshops, advising and transfer assistance, campus and industry visits, and assistance with identifying scholarships and internships. All ASEM students are able to utilize the MESA Center to study, participate in workshops, and receive advising support alongside MESA Program students.