The new MESA program at Glendale Community College launched in the fall 2023 semester aims to help and encourage underserved and underrepresented students. The program prioritizes students who want to major in calculus-based science, engineering, technology, and mathematics, assisting those who would like to transfer to a four-year university in the future. MESA was established in the state in 1970 from the UC system. But since Dec. 1 2023 when Associate Dean Ramona Barrio-Soltillo, the Director of MESA, launched the program, it has been a work in progress.
El Vaquero spoke with Dr. Barrio-Soltillo about insights and goals for the upcoming program. She explained that the objectives of MESA are to increase the number of economically and educationally disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in STEM and help them transfer to higher education. She called this the ultimate goal for students within the program, so MESA aims to work alongside the transfer center to better prepare students for university. With the collaboration of the Transfer Center on campus, MESA can help students connect with universities on the other side like the UC and Cal State systems.
MESA is an academic program with eligibility requirements and applications at this time are still being processed, according to Dr. Barrio-Soltillo. “One of the first requirements is you need to be in a calculus-based program,” said Dr. Barrio-Soltillo. Some other requirements include at least a 2.2 GPA or higher, being a first-generation college student, and being economically impacted.
Once admitted into the program, they help students with applying for scholarships, summer research, and make sure a student’s educational plan is up to date. Other benefits include Academic Excellence Workshops, tutoring, and more career opportunities. MESA also has events planned for the future to provide community-building activities to all students.
For more information, visit: https://www.le.edu/academics/special-programs/mesa
The MESA Director Dr. Barrio-Soltillo can be reached at: [email protected].
For further inquiries about Mesa contact: [email protected].
Kylo Tenuta can be reached at [email protected].