On Friday, October 3, 2025, Skyline College MESA students visited California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) for the university’s Community College Showcase. The event offered students an inside look at CSUEB’s College of Science programs, their MESA Program, and the welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff who make East Bay a supportive place to pursue STEM degrees.
The day began with a warm welcome from the CSUEB MESA Director, followed by presentations from MESA Program Coordinator, the CSUEB Student Outreach Specialist, and the College of Science Dean. Students then explored the campus through a guided tour, enjoyed a networking lunch with STEM faculty and staff at the Dining Commons, and participated in a department showcase in the Student Center CORE building. The visit concluded with an engaging student panel in the STEM Lab, which included Skyline College MESA alum and current CSUEB Data Science major Allison Galon, who shared her positive experience transitioning from Skyline College to East Bay.
The visit offered valuable insights into both academic programs and campus culture. Skyline College MESA student Noel Amankrah-Bonsu shared that he “learned about the multiple forms of support that CSUEB provides to their students, from internships and research projects, to programs that allow students to move in two weeks early to explore campus.” He also highlighted how “open and friendly the community on campus is,” describing a close-knit atmosphere where “it would be easy to connect with people.”
Skyline College MESA student Shahd Bader recommends this trip to other students because it’s “a great learning opportunity that allows you to engage directly with programs, faculty, and resources,” and it can “inspire you to set clearer goals for your future.”
For Skyline College student Jillian Lampaya, the visit helped clarify her academic direction. “I think this helped solidify that I want to go into Data Science or Mathematics,” she said. “Getting to meet the department heads of Data Science and Mathematics was super cool, and it was nice getting to chat with them about my own background and why I would be a good fit continuing my education in Data Science.”
The showcase gave students a firsthand look at the pathways and support available to help them thrive after transfer—leaving many inspired and excited about their next steps.
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 or apply for the Skyline MESA program, please visit www.skylinecollege.edu/mesa or email skymesa@smccd.edu.
