MESA

BUILDING A PIPELINE FOR FUTURE COLLEGE STUDENTS....

Oregon MESA is an outreach program that engages 6th-12th grade students in hands-on, inquiry-based math, engineering, science and technology projects during weekly chapter meetings at school sites. The mission of Oregon MESA is to increase the number of students entering college and pursuing science, technology, engineering or math, as a study.

Creating Community Partnerships: The MESA Partnership Model connects students, teachers, schools, and families with universities, community colleges, industry and government. Oregon MESA is supported by Portland State University, the state legislature, the Oregon University System, school districts, industry, professional and community organizations, foundations and individual donors. MESA works closely with industry, which recognizes the program's ability to prepare the diverse technical professionals needed by companies to maintain their global competitive advantage.

"MESA is a key support program for our students and families. The programming we provide empowers them to be successful. We expose them to careers they may have never considered like engineering. Being at PSU, in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (MCECS), allows us to bring engineering alive to our students through campus visits, MCECS mentors in the classroom and faculty involvement." David Coronado, Program Director, MESA, Portland State University.

MESA Day 2009, hosted by the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, is an opportunity for middle and high school students to explore careers in science, technology and engineering. Over 250 participants tackled science and engineering challenges such as trebuchet (catapult) building, bridge design and the infamous egg drop! MESA Day 2008 was sponsored by Intel Oregon and the Lemelson Foundation.

Oregon MESA Middle School Team Emerge as Champions at the MESA USA National Engineering Design Competition in Colorado

Denver, CO. –June 29, 2009 - The same math and science skills that President Barack Obama announced would be a priority for his education priorities were illustrated in Colorado where students from six states, including Oregon, participated in the MESA USA National Engineering Design Challenge.

The MESA National Engineering Design Competition is an opportunity for MESA USA states to showcase their best and brightest in science, technology engineering and science.  In order to get to this prestigious event, middle and high school student teams built trebuchets, conducted research and presented their findings at local state qualifying MESA Day competitions.  Oregon’s team competed at MESA Day, held at Portland State University, on May 15, 2009.  With the support of The Lemelson Foundation and Intel, Ockley Green School and Benson High School students represented Oregon MESA at the competition in Denver, Colorado.

“I never thought I could be an engineer. Now I know I can,” said 13 year old Monseratt Hernandez.  She is only one of the team members who now hold the title, MESA USA Engineering Design Champions. She was accompanied by her Ockley Green School teammates 12 year old Thien Nguyen, 13 year old Tinh Nguyen and 13 year old Ryan Writz.  While at the competition, the team presented their research to a panel of engineers and scientists, and tested their trebuchet. The MESA USA National Design Competition was held June 25-June 28.

In MESA and at the competition, “ I learned lots about physics.  It makes me excited to learn more,” said Tinh Nguyen.