MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a statewide Public Education program whose purpose is to increase the number of under served ethnic minority and all female students who pursue course work, advanced study and possible careers in mathematics, engineering, and science areas.

 STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering Programs) is the higher education component of the MESA/STEP Consortium.  STEP Directors work with graduating MESA students and others in the targeted population who are pursuing math, science, engineering, and related fields of study.  STEP institutions include Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah, Utah State University, and Weber State University .

OUR MISSION

Founded in 1985, the Utah MESA/STEP Consortium is a nonprofit organization comprised of higher education institutions, businesses/industries, public schools, government agencies, and community organizations. The objectives of the MESA/STEP Program are:

(1) to increase the number of underserved ethnic minority and all female students who pursue course work, advanced study and possible careers in mathematics, engineering, and science areas, including teaching of mathematics and science;

(2) to provide a program and activities designed to motivate underserved ethnic minority and all female students to take better advantage of all existing educational opportunities;

(3) to facilitate an increase in high school graduation rates of MESA-involved students;

(4) to strengthen the confidence of underserved ethnic minority and all female students relating to their success in mathematics and science courses, and to provide them with skills and opportunities to become successful role models for other students;

(5) to provide underserved ethnic minority and all female students the opportunity to relate to and associate with successful role models;

(6) to coordinate the efforts of public schools, colleges and universities, the USOE, industries, professional and community groups, and others in the development and maintenance of academic support programs to increase the participation of underserved ethnic minority and all female students in academic and career pursuits in mathematics and science; and

(7) to provide more information about MESA opportunities and participation criteria to parents of minority students and to actively involve minority students' parents in school activities and programs.

OUR COMMITMENT

More than 150 organizations nationwide, similar to the Utah MESA/STEP Consortium, are addressing the needs of society and the incoming workforce. In Utah , active Consortium members are listed under the contacts button above. Other organizations that contribute to our annual scholarship drive have included: Abbott Laboratories Fund, ATK Launch Systems, Alcoa Foundation, Bard Access Systems, Becton Dickinson, Boeing, Cephalon, Evans & Sutherland, Hexcel, IM Flash, Intel, Intermountain Healthcare, IOMEGA, L-3 Communications, Litton, Micron Foundation, Moog, Northrop Grumman, TRW, SPS Technologies, UNISYS, URS, and Varian Medical Systems. Since its inception in 1985, Industry has contributed over $500,000 in scholarship funds. In just the past eight years, over 200 students have received MESA/STEP scholarships to pursue their college education.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH COLLABORATION

Understanding the need to ensure the success of the growing target population, these corporations are investing in the future of the State by collaborating with other members in the Utah MESA/STEP Consortium. Their participation includes active roles in providing expertise for program activities; securing scholarship funds for students pursuing college in math, science, engineering, technology, and related fields; conducting work readiness seminars; providing internships and mentoring activities; and donating significant amounts of their time to the various activities in the program.