On February 28, STEM students from Skyline College attended the annual Day of Science event hosted at the College of San Mateo (CSM). The event was organized through a collaboration between the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program and the Stanford Community College Outreach Program (CCOP) at Stanford University.
Day of Science is an annual gathering that connects community college students with researchers, mentors, and professionals across STEM fields. The program highlights research pathways and provides opportunities for students to learn about internships, transfer preparation, and careers in science and engineering.
Throughout the day, students participated in a series of activities including scientific talks, student presentations, career panels, and small-group discussions. These sessions provided insights into a wide range of STEM pathways and allowed community college students to hear directly from scientists and former community college students who are now pursuing advanced degrees or research careers.
Skyline College students attended the event alongside MESA co-directors Emilie Hein and Denise Hum, who joined attendees from across the region in supporting students participating in the Day of Science. One of the highlights of the event was connecting with Skyline College alumni Jerry Hnin and Florence Thwe, who are now completing their Bachelor of Science degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. Current Skyline students had the opportunity to hear directly from these former community college students about their transfer journeys, academic experiences, and the challenges and successes they encountered along the way. Their stories provided valuable encouragement and insight for students considering similar STEM pathways.
Thank you to our partners at CSM and Stanford CCOP, to our alumni, and to every Skyline student who showed up ready to learn and connect.
Programs such as MESA and Stanford CCOP play an important role in expanding access to research opportunities and mentorship for community college students throughout the Bay Area. The Summer 2026 CORE Internship Application is now OPEN! Make sure to visit the CCOP website to learn more about this great opportunity. Stanford CCOP partners will also be offering a support session in the STEM Center on March 19 at 5:00 pm for anyone having questions about the program or application.
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.
