On Friday, September 12, 2025, Skyline College’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program hosted its new student orientation, offering an interactive and informative introduction to the year ahead for its new MESA students.
Students broke the ice with a “Lego Duck” building competition—a fun exercise in teamwork and communication. Following the activity, students enjoyed a taco bar while MESA Academic Counselor, Angela Serrano, reviewed strategies for academic success, including study habits, time management, and guaranteed transfer opportunities for STEM majors. The MESA team then highlighted the wide range of MESA benefits for students, including internship and research opportunities, tutoring, additional transfer support, leadership retreats, and STEM conferences.
After the orientation, students joined the STEM Club Fair and Boba Social, hosted by MESA in collaboration with the STEM Center and STEM Clubs. More than 85 students participated in the fair. Ten clubs were present: the Biomanufacturing Club, the Google Developer Group, Women in Science and Engineering Represent (WISER), the Data Science Club, the Math Club, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the Chemistry Club, Girls Who Code, the Physics and Astronomy Club (PAC), and the Engineering and Robotics Club (ERC). Students explored STEM club opportunities, engaged with club leaders, and learned about ongoing club projects and initiatives. They completed a “passport” by engaging with at least three clubs, earning them refreshing boba drinks.
MESA – Math, Engineering, Science Achievement – is an academic enrichment program that helps educationally underrepresented students excel in math and science and graduate from college with degrees in math-based fields. Founded in 1970, the MESA program serves pre-college, community college, and university students at over 90 sites throughout California. Skyline College’s MESA Program is part of the MESA California Community College Programs (MCCP). To learn more about MESA, please visit www.skylinecollege.edu/mesa or email skymesa@smccd.edu.
Article by Stephanie Wells
Photos by Stephanie Wells and Denise Hum
