Welcome to MESA - Mathematics • Engineering • Science • Achievement
MESA Webpage Announcements
MESA Applications are Open!
Are you a first-generation STEM student? Apply to be part of MESA using this application here.
MESA Week Zero Applications are Open!
High School Class of 2025, you are invited to be part of MESA Week Zero from 7/28/25-8/1/25! Learn more and apply here. Deadline to apply is June 29, 2025.
What is MESA?
Are you interested in math, engineering, or science? The Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) community college program can provide academic support to help you excel in these subjects and transfer to a university to continue your studies.
Our goal is to support educationally disadvantaged and historically under-represented undergraduate community college students and develop a new generation of STEM leaders in California.
The MESA program at Gavilan College provides not only services, but also a culture and community geared toward student success in STEM disciplines. We are here to help you succeed!
Do I qualify?
Can you answer "YES" to all the following questions?
- Are you a high school graduate?
- Do you intend to transfer?
- Are you eligible for or currently receiving Financial Aid?
- Are you required to take Calculus (Math 71) for your math, engineering or science-based major?
- My parents/guardians do not have a 4-year college degree.
- I am a current or incoming Gavilan student.
- My residential status is any of the following: US Citizen, Permanent resident, California DREAM Act student, AB540, CA SB68, AB2000
If you are able to answer “YES” to all the questions, it is highly likely that you are eligible for the MESA Program! If you are not sure, you are encouraged to still submit an application.
What are the benefits?
- MESA Study Center
- Supportive community
- Academic and Transfer Counseling
- Tutoring
- Internship and research opportunities
- Career advising and professional development
What are the student's responsibilities?
MESA Student Contract:
- MESA Orientation (with Director or Counselor)
- Meet with a counselor at least once a semester for progress reports
- Update educational plan every semester
- Participate in at least one MESA event every semester
- Actively participate in Circle of Champions
- Apply to at least one scholarship, research, or internship opportunity every year
How to Reach Us
To apply for MESA, follow directions below upcoming events and you call or text us at (669) 500-0152 or email us at mesa@gavilan.edu and make an appointment with Esteban. Current MESA students can also meet with a MESA Counselor, you can book an appointment:
Book an Appointment with Elizabeth
MESA Week Zero Summer 2025
What is MESA Week Zero & when will it take place?
MESA Week Zero is a week, July 28- August 1 from 8:45 am-2:50 pm, of a summer orientation for high school students transitioning to college's first-year experience at the Gilroy Campus. It provides an introduction to STEM subjects and careers, faculty teaching demonstrations, and college resources. Students who complete MESA Week Zero at Gavilan College will receive MESA membership status beginning in Fall 2025
Are you interested in applying for MESA Week Zero for 2025?
Please fill out the application by clicking here or scanning the QR Code below, and we will contact you when applications open.
Click here to view the MESA Week Zero Flyers in English and in Spanishstudent/mesa/MESA-Week-Zero-20251.pdf
Please Note: This does NOT guarantee a slot into the MESA Week Zero event. We will be sending out emails after the application closes. Eligibility will be based on:
- Are a first-generation student (your parents have not graduated with a bachelor's degree in the U.S.).
- Applied for CADAA or FAFSA
- Being a high school graduate (by June 30, 2025)
- Applied to Gavilan College
- Being a declared STEM major or having an interest in becoming a STEM major.
- Be enrolled for summer or fall 2025
- Submit a MESA Enrollment application.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Sunday, June 29, 2025 by 11:59 pm
Vision Statement
To empower first-generation, low-income STEM students with the foundational skills, resources, and support system necessary to thrive in their academic and professional journeys at Gavilan College and toward the four-year university.
Mission Statement
MESA Week Zero provides an immersive and supportive summer experience designed to prepare incoming STEM students for success at Gavilan College. Through hands-on STEM workshops, career exploration, and academic preparation, we aim to build confidence, foster community, and connect students with valuable campus resources and mentorship opportunities.
Target Audience
MESA Week Zero is designed for recent high school graduates enrolled in the Summer and/or Fall 2025 semester at Gavilan College. Eligible students must be:
- First-generation college students
- Low-income
- Pursuing a calculus-based STEM degree
- Planning to transfer to a four-year university upon completion of STEM degree at Gavilan College
Goals
- Increase STEM Readiness
- Provide students with exposure to core STEM subjects through interactive sessions in mathematics, chemistry, physics, environmental science, computer science, and engineering.
- Build a Strong Support Network
- Connect students with MESA alumni, faculty, industry professionals, and campus resources to create a sense of belonging and academic encouragement.
- Enhance College Preparedness
- Equip students with essential skills such as study strategies, STEM resume development, and career exploration to enhance their educational experience.
- Foster Academic and Professional Growth
- Introduce students to internships, research opportunities, and academic pathways that will guide them toward successful STEM careers.
- Strengthen Retention and Success in MESA
- Ensure students successfully transition to Gavilan College and remain engaged in MESA through structured support, advising, and cohort-based learning.
- Increase Awareness and Access for High School Students
- Partner with high school counselors, Cal-SOAP representatives, and local educators to identify and recruit students interested in STEM majors and careers.
MESA Week Zero serves as a critical bridge for underrepresented STEM students, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to excel at Gavilan College and beyond.
** Upon completion of MESA Week Zero, eligible students will be automatically accepted into the MESA program at Gavilan College.
For questions, please contact a MESA team member:
Director, Esteban Talavera, Counselor, Elizabeth Flores or STEM CAP Specialist, Rachel Nguyen or you can email us at mesa@gavilan.edu or call (408) 846-4968.
John E. Martin Leadership Symposium Highlights
Check out the video below about the highlights from the John E. Martin Leadership Symposium at Google in Sunnyvale, CA.
Slideshow Highlights
This event took place on Google's campus! They have this magnificent building with the Google Logo.
These are some students who went with us to this event! They are STEM Majors who have an interest in Google and this event.
These are our hosts of the event.
These are some instructors who spoke at the event. One of them is an instructor at Gavilan, David Argudo (fourth person from the left).
Students and instructors who attended the event enjoyed one of the many hangout locations on Google's campus.
Here are some more instructors who are representing their college.
A group picture of the students and faculty who attended the event. Along with David Argudo, STEM IV Coordinator, is Esteban Talavera, Director of the Gavilan MESA program.
Check out more pictures of the John E. Martin Leadership Symposium event by pressing the button below!
MESA Picture Gallery
Gavilan and STEM Upcoming Events
4/2/25- Apply for Financial Aid for the academic year 2025-2026.
Apply for CADA or FAFSA using this link.
4/2/25 - SJSU/BMES Biomedical Device Conference
STEM students, if you are interested in attending the Bay Area Biomedical Device Conference: Revolutionizing Health Care through AI and MedDevices, please contact STEM Career and Academic Pathway Specialist Rachel Nguyen for more information.
4/4/25 - 4/7/25 - MESA Student Leadership Retreat
Contact MESA Director Esteban Talavera for more information.
4/11/25- UCSF Tour from 7:30am-7:30pm
Contact Rachel Nguyen at rnguyen@gavilan.edu for questions.
4/17/25- Career Fair from 10am-2pm in the walkway between the library and math/science building in Gilroy Campus.
For students and community members to:
We encourage all attendees to come prepared with copies of their resumes, dress to impress, and prepare any questions they may have for the participating employers.
Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step towards your career goals! We look forward to seeing you at the Career Fair. Complimentary refreshments will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis!
Contact Daisy Jimenez-Lopez at djimenez@gavilan.edu.
4/17/25- Erica Alfara, author of Harvesting Dreams at 12:30 – 1:30 PM in the North/South Lounge
Puente program, in collaboration with our Title V HSI grant, is sponsoring a special event. Food will be provided for guests! If students (or staff!) would like to purchase her book, Harvesting Dreams, you can find it here: https://a.co/d/eA75y7R.
5/1/25-5/3/25- UCLA & PreHealth Conference
Contact David Argudo or Rachel Nguyen for questions.
5/5/25 - Signing Day and Grad Fest from 11am-2pm in the Student Center Patio
Graduating Class of 2025 and Transferring 2025 Students, join us for a celebration! Share where you'll be transferring, take pictures with a cap & gown, and enjoy food and refreshments.
5/5/25- MESA Star Wards Day/ Cinco de Mayo time is TBD.
5/7/25- STEM Stress reliever- 1-3pm in the STEM Center
The first hour, 1pm-2pm, is for first-year STEM Students. 2p-3pm is open to ALL students.
5/14/25 - MESA Graduation CAP Decoration Party; time is TBD.
5/16/25 - STEM Graduation/Transfer Ceremony at 6pm-8pm, location TBA.
***External Events*
PremedCC Weekly Webinars
Are you a Pre-Medical student attending a Community College? We understand how difficult it can be to find quality mentorship. PreMedCC can connect you with experts in medicine who started at Community College just like you!
SUMMA Stanford Conference on 2/8/25
Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP) in Summer 2025
Stanford Medicine: Office of Diversity in Medical Education
Office of Diversity in Medical Education (ODME) was established in 1993 with the assistance of a grant sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The goal of the ODME is to prepare the next generation of medical leaders to address the health issues of a diverse society. The primary initiatives to address this goal include:
Expanding the diversity of the health professional work force, especially in academic medicine.
Promoting cultural competence in medical education for all trainees. Supporting scholarly projects in the area of health inequities in our diverse society.
Developing leadership skills in students from diverse backgrounds.
Working with faculty from throughout Stanford University to eliminate health inequities.
Enhancing the participation of alumni in the diversity activities of the School of Medicine.
Please select the relevant application below. Please note your application progress will be saved and you may return to complete your application at any time prior to the application deadline of March, 2024.
Deadline to apply: March 1, 2025
Application Link: Apply here today!
Attend an information session to learn more about the program:
Tuesday, Februrary 4th at 6:30pm - Advanced registration, so register quickly to join! is required.
The program will be offered in person, and selectees will be awarded a scholarship that covers housing, food, and other program expenses. *This program does not pay for travel.
There is one application for the premedical and research programs.
CLICK HERE to learn about the The Stanford Summer Community College Research Program (SSCCrP) students.
The Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP)
Application opens: December 1 at 11:59pm
Application closes: March 1 at 11:59pm
Gavilan and STEM Upcoming Events
4/2/25- Apply for Financial Aid for the academic year 2025-2026.
Apply for CADA or FAFSA using this link.
4/2/25 - SJSU/BMES Biomedical Device Conference
STEM students, if you are interested in attending the Bay Area Biomedical Device Conference: Revolutionizing Health Care through AI and MedDevices, please contact STEM Career and Academic Pathway Specialist Rachel Nguyen for more information.
4/4/25 - 4/7/25 - MESA Student Leadership Retreat
Contact MESA Director Esteban Talavera for more information.
4/11/25- UCSF Tour from 7:30am-7:30pm
Contact Rachel Nguyen at rnguyen@gavilan.edu for questions.
4/17/25- Career Fair from 10am-2pm in the walkway between the library and math/science building in Gilroy Campus.
For students and community members to:
- Find employment
- Explore various career paths
- Connect & Build your Network with potential employers and professionals
- Gain valuable insights into applying to jobs
- Freebies & Giveaways: Participating employers will have material to give away
We encourage all attendees to come prepared with copies of their resumes, dress to impress, and prepare any questions they may have for the participating employers.
Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step towards your career goals! We look forward to seeing you at the Career Fair. Complimentary refreshments will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis!
Contact Daisy Jimenez-Lopez at djimenez@gavilan.edu.
4/17/25- Erica Alfara, author of Harvesting Dreams at 12:30 – 1:30 PM in the North/South Lounge
Puente program, in collaboration with our Title V HSI grant, is sponsoring a special event. Food will be provided for guests! If students (or staff!) would like to purchase her book, Harvesting Dreams, you can find it here: https://a.co/d/eA75y7R.
5/1/25-5/3/25- UCLA & PreHealth Conference
Contact David Argudo or Rachel Nguyen for questions.
5/5/25 - Signing Day and Grad Fest from 11am-2pm in the Student Center Patio
Graduating Class of 2025 and Transferring 2025 Students, join us for a celebration! Share where you'll be transferring, take pictures with a cap & gown, and enjoy food and refreshments.
5/5/25- MESA Star Wards Day/ Cinco de Mayo time is TBD.
5/7/25- STEM Stress reliever- 1-3pm in the STEM Center
The first hour, 1pm-2pm, is for first-year STEM Students. 2p-3pm is open to ALL students.
5/14/25 - MESA Graduation CAP Decoration Party; time is TBD.
5/16/25 - STEM Graduation/Transfer Ceremony at 6pm-8pm, location TBA.
***External Events*
PremedCC Weekly Webinars
Are you a Pre-Medical student attending a Community College? We understand how difficult it can be to find quality mentorship. PreMedCC can connect you with experts in medicine who started at Community College just like you!
SUMMA Stanford Conference on 2/8/25
Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP) in Summer 2025
Stanford Medicine: Office of Diversity in Medical Education
Office of Diversity in Medical Education (ODME) was established in 1993 with the assistance of a grant sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The goal of the ODME is to prepare the next generation of medical leaders to address the health issues of a diverse society. The primary initiatives to address this goal include:
Expanding the diversity of the health professional work force, especially in academic medicine.
Promoting cultural competence in medical education for all trainees. Supporting scholarly projects in the area of health inequities in our diverse society.
Developing leadership skills in students from diverse backgrounds.
Working with faculty from throughout Stanford University to eliminate health inequities.
Enhancing the participation of alumni in the diversity activities of the School of Medicine.
Please select the relevant application below. Please note your application progress will be saved and you may return to complete your application at any time prior to the application deadline of March, 2024.
Deadline to apply: March 1, 2025
Application Link: Apply here today!
Attend an information session to learn more about the program:
Tuesday, Februrary 4th at 6:30pm - Advanced registration, so register quickly to join! is required.
The program will be offered in person, and selectees will be awarded a scholarship that covers housing, food, and other program expenses. *This program does not pay for travel.
There is one application for the premedical and research programs.
CLICK HERE to learn about the The Stanford Summer Community College Research Program (SSCCrP) students.
The Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP)
Application opens: December 1 at 11:59pm
Application closes: March 1 at 11:59pm
Spring 2025 Tutoring
- STEM/Math Lab/MESA Virtual Center and In-Person Tutoring
- The STEM Center and MESA are open in person and virtually! Please check the STEM Center homepage for the schedule of tutors and hours of operation.
MESA Services
- Priority Registration 2
MESA students are eligible to receive priority registration, so you can register a day before other continuing students on campus. - Specialized Academic Counseling
Receive guidance and planning so you can take the correct courses in the most effective sequence and transfer in a timely manner. We monitor your progress and success. If you are currently part of MESA, you can make an appoitment today! - Transfer Support
We provide guidance to help you transfer to a 4-year college, including applications, personal statements, transfer agreements, and more. - Tutoring
MESA students get free tutoring services dedicated to students that are in the program. - MESA Learning Center
The MESA Center serves as a hub of activity where students can do homework, receive tutoring, build community, and engage in cultural and social activities. - Other Services
Other services include calculator and laptop loan programs, internship opportunities, university field trips, and more!
How to Apply to MESA
Fill out MESA application
Apply online: MESA Online Application Form . (It may take up to 3 working business days to review your application and notify you of our decision)
Make an Appointment
Call 669-500-0152 to schedule a Zoom appointment to meet with the MESA Director and/or Program Specialist.
Meet with MESA Director
During your appointment, the MESA Director and/or Program Specialist will review your application, determine your eligibility, and answer any questions you might have about the program.
Other Student Support Programs and Services
- If your family is on public assistance, you may qualify for CalWORKS.
- If you are a single parent and eligible for EOPS, you may qualify for additional benefits and services through the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE).
- If you are a current or former foster youth, you may qualify for Foster Youth Services.