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.
Related link(s): Fresno State MESA, Innovation Generation grant
