About MESA

The existing Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) model was first motivated in the late 1960’s by a group of concerned educators at the University of California – Berkley who noted few African Americans, Latinos, and American Indians enrolled in the College of Engineering.

A program of pre-college intervention was introduced, followed by similar intervention programs at four-year, and most recently, two-year institutions in California. Additional States – including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington – developed similar programs and actively collaborate through the MESA USA partnership to provide opportunities for underrepresented populations in STEM.

Building upon MESA’s accomplished 40-year history serving students at all levels (K-14 to baccalaureate), the Highline College MESA Program started in 2009 and provides a vital link for ensuring success as students transition from high school to Community College to four-year institutions in calculus based STEM majors.

The Highline MESA program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of a broader consortium of two-year colleges in the State. Other participating colleges include Columbia Basin College, Edmonds Community College, Olympic Community College, Seattle Central Community College, and Yakima Valley Community College, Everett Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, Tacoma Community College, Wenatchee Valley College, Clark College, and Green River College. The consortium is led by the University of Washington.