The MESA Center

STEM support

STEM Accelerator

STEM Accelerator
Accelerate. Achieve. Advance.

The STEM Accelerator program is designed for students who are not first generation or in a STEM major that doesn't include calculus. It is a dynamic academic support program designed to empower low-income STEM students on their path to success. Located at the heart of campus, the program provides dedicated STEM counseling, a welcoming study space, and easy access to tutoring, study groups, and peer mentors. Students benefit from enriching field trips and real-world industry exposure, all within a community focused on helping students to accelerate their progress, achieve their academic goals, and advance toward STEM careers.
STEM and Research Programs
Accepted MESA and STEM Accelerator students have access to an extensive and regularly updated list of research and STEM opportunities they can apply to. Programs are heavily promoted and shared with students to help prepare them for future careers in STEM.

To be updated with research projects conducted by past students

External Programs

Here are a few prominent opportunities for students in STEM
- “Selected students will gain first-hand experience in scientific investigation in a dynamic, collaborative research environment. Students will be matched with CSUF faculty who will provide training and support. In addition to research, participants will create a research poster and present their findings. Participants will receive a $5,000 stipend for their research and participation throughout the summer. Stipend limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents."
- “The Transfer to Excellence Research Program provides research experience for undergraduates (REU) who are enrolled in community colleges. Opportunities currently available are broadly in engineering and science. The program is a nine-week hands-on research opportunity with UC Berkeley professors.”
- “The Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH) program connects undergraduates interested in a PhD with first-class researchers working in fields in the life and physical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. This is a 10-week paid internship.”
- “The Maximizing Access to Research Centers (MARC) and Broadening Research Achievement in Neurosciences (BRAiN) programs both seek to develop diverse undergraduate students who wish to be involved in research and transition to biomedical PH.D programs.”
- “Undergraduate students in physics, astronomy, and engineering are invited to participate in the development of gravitational-wave astronomy through Caltech LIGO Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program. Research awards include a summer stipend and travel funds.”
Internships

Accepted MESA and STEM Accelerator students have access to an extensive and regularly updated list of internship opportunities. MESA also helps holds workshops to prepare students for professional opportunities through resume building, networking advice, and interview prep.

This page will be updated with internship and research opportunities of past MESA students.

To be updated
Guest Speakers
Examples of Past Speakers and Topics at MESA Program Events include:
- Physics Q&A with Dr. Arnold Guerra III
  - Careers in Physics
  - Paths into Academia
  - Questions about PHD and research
- Engineering Q&A with Dr. Esposito
  - General questions on engineering and related careers
- Careers in Environmental Science with Lotus Thai
  - Discussed experience, advice, and pathways in environmental science
  - Shared experience working on sustainability for Disney
Field Trips

Past MESA Trips:

UCI Visit - Sep. 2024
Took students on a tour of the University of California Irvine campus where they were able to hear from a panel of current students, see many of the STEM labs and facilities, and enjoy lunch on campus!

National SHPE Convention - Oct. 2024
Students were able to attend the annual SHPE Convention, this year taking place in Anaheim. Students were able to hear from amazing speakers, network, and meet peers in STEM

UCR Visit - Mar. 2025
MESA students will visit the University of California Riverside, exploring their College of Engineering, hearing from current engineering students at the university, and enjoying a tour of the campus as whole.

UCI STEM Trip with CalTeach - Mar. 2025
MESA students will get to take a trip of STEM facilities and resources on UCI's campus, while also getting to learn about the CalTeach program and meeting current participants.

Mitutoyo America Showroom Trip - Sept. 2025
MESA students will get to take a trip of STEM facilities and resources on UCI's campus, while also getting to learn about the CalTeach program and meeting current participants.