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 Mousetrap
cars, Popsicle-stick bridges, model science, Web design and speech
competitions will be the order of Saturday, March 15, when the
Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program at
California State University, Fresno hosts its 28th annual MESA Day.
More than 250 aspiring engineers from central San Joaquin Valley middle
and high schools are expected for the preliminary competition that
begins at 8:30 a.m. in McLane Hall room 121 and runs until 3:30 p.m. at
various locations on campus. All are trying to qualify for regional
competition at University of California, Santa Barbara next month.
The students have been working throughout the year with the College of
Engineering’s MESA Program, which serves approximately 850 students in
22 Valley middle and high schools.
The program motivates and prepares disadvantaged students, especially
from underserved populations, with the knowledge and skills that will
enhance their interest in professions requiring degrees in engineering
and other mathematics- and science-based fields.
MESA Day competitions encourage local youngsters to explore careers in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics, said Louie Lopez,
director of Fresno State’s MESA. There’s also a conference for parents,
presenting information on college admissions, financial aid, pathways
and careers in engineering.
Throughout the year, MESA students plan, build, study, prepare and
practice the MESA Day competitions to represent their schools. The top
three in each competition earn a trip to the regionals to represent
Fresno State MESA against teams from throughout the state. Some regional
winners will move on to state and national competitions.
MESA Day enjoys volunteer support from the community, College of
Engineering representatives and student organizations such as the
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers – Professional Chapter and
the Junior Doctor’s Academy. Fresno State Vice President for
Administration and CFO Cynthia Teniente-Matson, has engaged her division
to provide volunteers to help judge some of the competitions.
For more information, contact Lopez or at 559.278.2976 or
lolopez@csufresno.edu.
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