The MESA University Program is a UCSB undergraduate retention program for first generation college students within STEM field majors. Coordinated by the University of California, Office of the President, the MESA University Program maximizes undergraduate students' academic potential to prepare them for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Staff and faculty work together to increase students’ awareness and access to graduate degree programs and to promote community service through outreach events and mentoring.
The MESA University Program Center is Located at Building 477, across from the UCSB Veterans and Military Services Building.
MESA Student Assistants
Paola Vargas - 3rd Year Earth Science Major
Miranda Garcia - 3rd Year Chemistry Major
Daisy Contreras-Martinez - 3rd Year Data Science Major
- Data Science Tutor
Girasol Godoy - 3rd year Biopsychology Major
- Chemistry Tutor
Edgar Hernandez Mendoza - 2nd Year Electrical Engineering Major
- Math and Physics Tutor
MESA Center Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM, with hours from 5 - 9 PM dependent on student availability.
Program Information
For students interested in participating in the program, here is what you can expect:
Students at a university/college campus are offered workshops and group study sessions covering core science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes, curricula and concepts to sustain high levels of academic achievement.
Peers are encouraged to enroll in the same course sections of core STEM classes and to develop communities where they study together and support each other.
Students are encouraged to develop campus-based and international networks that provide access to partner chapters, mentors, and connect with professional organizations that offer leadership training, professional guest speakers, MESA and UCSB Alumni, and tours of STEM companies.
At UCSB, the MESA Center has “multipurpose space”, with other affiliated sites, which is used for study sessions, workshops, volunteer meetings, and information sharing.
We host several professional development workshops. Various topics include: strengthening your application components for internships, scholarships, graduate school and jobs; developing networking skills; health and wellness; and, graduate school versus industry, among others.
Participant Eligibility:
We support students who are first generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented minority. Students must be enrolled full-time at UCSB.
Application Information
UC Santa Barbara MESA University Program Enrollment
- Visit https://mesa.my.site.com/s/profile-update.
- For "Program," select “College/University.”
- For "MESA Center," select “UC Santa Barbara - MUP.”
- Proceed to create a new record.
- Then select "University of California, Santa Barbara."
Once you enroll, look out for an email from one of our MESA Staff confirming your eligibility in the program!
Student Organizations
Students in this program are expected to participate in various campus student organizations as part of their undergraduate experience. Current partner student organizations we work to advise, support, and collaborate with include:
MESA Successful Transition Program (M-STP)
M-STP is a 3-week transition program for incoming first-year students and transfer students in the STEM fields. The aim of the program is to expose students to academic rigor, inform them about all the great resources available at UCSB, and help them network with other UCSB students, alumni, and industry partners.
Program Information
For students interested in participating in the program, here is what you can expect:
- Short courses in:
- Python & MATLAB
- Math & Physics
- Technical writing
- College success
- Seminars with:
- Industry professionals
- Alumni & Faculty
- Community building activities
- Mini project competition
- Activities with current undergraduates
- Academic courses taught by UCSB College of Engineering graduate students
Participant Eligibility:
- Must be full-time UCSB STEM student
- Must be first-generation college-bound, meaning neither of your parents/guardians has a 4-year degree
- Priority is given to students who participated in MESA at their high school or community college
PROGRAM CONTACTS
For further information, please contact the OEP main office via phone: (805) 893-3105