On Friday, April 18, 2025, MESA and IMMERSE student Kadae Aung led a financial literacy workshop focused on making first investments. The session introduced fellow students to the basics of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and Roth IRAs, offering accessible tips on how to get started with long-term investing—even on a student budget.
The workshop covered how ETFs work, the benefits of compound growth, and how Roth IRAs can be a powerful tool for building tax-free retirement savings. With real-world examples and relatable advice, Kadae empowered attendees to take control of their financial futures early.
The event was part of MESA’s ongoing efforts to support student success—not just in academics, but in life after graduation. MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is an academic enrichment program that helps educationally underrepresented students excel in math and science, with the goal of graduating with degrees in math-based fields. Established in 1970, MESA now supports students at over 90 sites across California. Skyline College’s MESA Program is part of the MESA California Community College Programs (MCCP).
IMMERSE in STEM scholars receive scholarships of up to $5,000 per semester and are supported for up to 3 years. They are also paired with a faculty mentor and can participate in a number of enriching activities.
For more information about MESA, please contact Emilie Hein, heine@smccd.edu or Denise Hum, humd@smccd.edu, MESA co-directors, or Stephanie Wells, wellss@smccd.edu, MESA Program Services Coordinator.
To learn more about IMMERSE, please contact Emilie Hein, heine@smccd.edu or Rick Hough, hough@smccd.edu PI and Co-PI for IMMERSE in STEM.
This work is supported by NSF S-STEM grant award #2221696.
Article by Stephanie Wells and Emilie Hein
Photo credit: Stephanie Wells
