The 23rd annual MESA Engineering Program (MEP) Awards Banquet will be presented by California State University, Fresno at 6 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Piccadilly Inn University near the campus.

Under the theme, “Growing the Valley’s Technical Workforce,” the event is presented by Fresno State’s College of Engineering and the Engineering Pathways Program. The evening will be highlighted by the announcement of new student scholarships and awards for academic success and achievement.

The Engineering Pathways Program, established last fall, is a student services program expanding on the success of the college’s highly successful MESA Engineering Program. MESA stands for Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement

The Engineering Pathways Program was designed to increase student retention, promote student success and provide academic support services to all of the 1,300 students in Fresno State’s College of Engineering. The MESA Engineering Program is one of the country’s oldest and best-known programs that provide critical support to ensure students become successful professionals, said Hernan Maldonado, MESA coordinator.

“Our graduates then go on to expand the state’s workforce and assume leadership positions in industry,” Maldonado said. “MEP has been recognized by companies in California as a critical player in the development of technical professionals and has been recognized as one of the top five most-innovative public programs in the nation by Harvard University, the Ford Foundation and the National Science Foundation.”

The annual spring banquet recognizes students who are obtaining degrees in the demanding majors of civil, geomatics, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering and construction management. The event recognizes their accomplishments the past academic year as they prepare to move on to professional internships and new jobs.

For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Maldonado at 559-278-5408.