The MESA University Program is a UCSB undergraduate retention program for STEM college students who attended educationally, economically, and geographically challenged schools. 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.

Los Ingenieros students working on electronics project

The MESA University Program Center is Located at Building 477, across from the UCSB Veterans and Military Services Building.

MESA Student Assistants

Paola Vargas - 4th Year Earth Science Major

Daisy Contreras-Martinez - 4th Year Data Science Major

Girasol Godoy - 4th Year Biopsychology Major

Edgar Hernandez Mendoza - 3rd Year Electrical Engineering Major

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:

  • Must be a full-time UCSB STEM student.
  • Attended an educationally, economically, and geographically challenged school/institution.
  • Priority is given to students who participated in MESA at their high school or community college.

 

Application Information

UC Santa Barbara MESA University Program Enrollment

Registration for New and Returning Students: https://mesa.my.site.com/s/profile-update

Contact: Profile Update

  1. Enter your First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth

  2. Under MESA program, select: College/University

  3. For MESA center, select: University of California, Santa Barbara (MUP)

  4. Click "Yes, I want to proceed to create a student record"

  5. For Current School, enter: University of California, Santa Barbara

  6. Complete the MESA University Program (MUP) Registration Form

Note: Use your personal email (not your school email)

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:

Los Ingenieros

Los Ingenieros/UCSB – Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE Chapter)

National Society of Black Engineers

UCSB – National Society of Black Engineers – (NSBE Chapter)

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

 

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (OSTEM)

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

 

MESA Successful Transition Program (M-STP)

M-STP is a 3-week virtual 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.

M-STP Information

The 2025 M-STP Program will take place from September 2–18, 2025. For students interested in participating in the program, here is what you can expect:

  • Short academic courses in:
    • Data Science (Programming Language R)
    • Math
    • Chemistry
  • Lunch & Learns with:
    • UCSB Resources
    • Alumni & Faculty
  • Community building activities
  • Activities with current undergraduates

Applications are due by Friday, August 22, 2025.

Questions?
Please contact Melani Castellanos at melanicastellanos@ucsb.edu

PROGRAM CONTACTS

For further information, please contact the OEP main office via phone: (805) 893-3105.