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The Mathematics Engineering
Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program at California State
University, Fresno has received a $60,000 Innovation Generation Grant
from the Motorola Foundation for its MESA Saturday Academies, which
begin Oct. 25.
The Fresno State MESA will host four academies for local middle and high
school students throughout the 2008-09 academic year. The others are
scheduled Nov. 22, and Feb. 7 and 21. About 400 students are expected
for the inaugural academy.
Academies offer hands-on math and science projects that encourage
youngsters to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics, the focus of the foundation’s grant program. Academies also
provide workshops on college and career exploration to ensure students
are aware of pathways to higher education.
At Fresno State, MESA provides hands-on projects such as rocketry,
robotics, circuitry, solar energy and related projects and will help
students participate in local and regional robotics competitions.
MESA is a nationwide precollege program. It motivates and prepares
disadvantaged students, especially those in underserved population
groups, with knowledge and skills to enhance their interest and prepare
them for professions requiring degrees in engineering and other
mathematics- and science-based fields.
The local program, which began in 1970, will serve more than 1,000
students from 25 middle and high schools throughout the central San
Joaquin Valley this academic year.
In addition to encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering
and math, the Motorola Foundation program helps develop
critical-thinking skills for the long term, said Louie Lopez, director
of the Fresno State MESA Program.
Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Foundation, said, “Programs
like the Fresno State MESA Schools Program develop students’ confidence
and skills to succeed in a sophisticated world and a dynamic and
competitive global marketplace.”
For additional information on the Fresno State MESA, or contact Lopez at
559.278.2976 or
lolopez@csufresno.edu.
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