November 29 '23•Benjamin Demers•academics•community

MESA's inclusion in Ed Code Marks Turning Point

Smiling students pose for selfie at commencement. They are young women of various ethnic backgrounds and one young man with dark hair and glasses in the rear.
Mission College’s MESA program has secured mentorship programs and lab placements, providing invaluable experiences for students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- In a historic milestone for STEM education in California, the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) program will be included in the California Education Code. 

For the first time in its 34 years in California Community Colleges, MESA has secured its place in the state's education framework following Governor Gavin Newsom signing Senate Bill 444 into law this fall. Mission College’s MESA Program Director Edrina Rashidi was instrumental in the bill’s passage not only as a statewide advocate but also testifying in front of the Assembly Higher Education Committee as the Advocacy Co-Chair for the Community College Association of MESA Directors (CCAMD). 
 

"Through the collaborative efforts of MESA and its partners, we've achieved a historic moment with the inclusion of MESA in the California Education Code,” Rashidi said. “This marks a significant step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the support they need to thrive in STEM and contribute to tomorrow's advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

Smiling students
Mission College’s MESA Program Director Edrina Rashidi (right) was instrumental in the bill’s passage not only as a statewide advocate but also testifying in front of the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

Rashidi's testimony while representing CCAMD this summer at the Assembly Higher Education Committee led to an 11-0 committee passage for SB 444, a bill advocating for the establishment and regulation of MESA programs in California Community Colleges. MESA, known for its dedication to bridging opportunity gaps, has proven instrumental in providing academic and transfer counseling, mentorship, professional and workforce development, as well as opportunities for networking, internships, and research.

Mission College’s MESA program exemplifies the positive impact of this initiative. Through partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, the MESA program has secured mentorship programs and lab placements, providing invaluable experiences for students. The program's success is reflected in the creation of at least 14 paid positions for Mission College MESA students, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of the MESA program's commitment to student success.

"Our advocacy efforts have led to significant strides, with a total of 57 California Community Colleges signing on to launch MESA Programs. This has taken the program from 34 colleges to a total of 91 college programs, showcasing the growing recognition of the program's vital role in supporting diverse students pursuing STEM pathways,” Rashidi said.

The inclusion of MESA in the California Education Code is a testament to the collective commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. This momentous achievement paves the way for continued growth and success in providing equitable opportunities for all students.

The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) was one of many stakeholders celebrating the governor signing SB 444.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


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