The MESA Program ( Math Engineering Science Achievement ) is on slate for a complete closing under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s far reaching proposed budget cuts. The program which was established in 1970 has served as a model for the nation in the areas of math and science achievement for educationally disadvantaged kids.
The recommendations will be counting out all UC and CSU outreach funding which essentially supports MESA . Other overwhelmingly successful outreach programs such as Puente and EAOP would be affected as well.
Puente, EAOP and MESA serve about 71,866 students throughout California. So by saving the state about one tenth of one percent of the deficit, 71,866 students may not go to college or receive a university degree.
UC outreach programs serve about 160,000 students throughout the state, from kindergarten through community college.
Two of UC's largest programs, MESA -- Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement -- and Puente, are national models for helping academically underserved students.
For more information on MESA
http://mesa.ucop.edu/home.html http://www.ucop.edu/mesa/programs/schoolprogram.html http://www.ucop.edu/mesa/programs/mesacccp.html http://www.ucop.edu/mesa/about/awards.htm Robert Stuart Lowden
Los Angeles,
6/13/ 2009
