On Friday, April 18, MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) hosted a hands-on ice cream social. The event offered students a fun and flavorful break from studying and an opportunity to bond with fellow STEM majors and explore the science behind making ice cream.
Instead of being served scoops, students made their ice-cream-in-a-bag using just a few simple ingredients: cream, sugar, and vanilla, plus crushed ice and rock salt for freezing the mixture. Amid the sounds of vigorously shaken bags of ice, curiosity and conversation filled the room as students learned about freezing points and how salt helps lower the temperature to create a delightful frozen treat. And of course, sprinkles and mini chocolate chips were available when it was time to dig in.
But the event was about more than just dessert—it was also about building community. Students mingled and learned more about the MESA program’s resources and support. MESA is an academic enrichment program that helps educationally underrepresented students excel in math and science, to graduate 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).
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.
Article by Stephanie Wells
Photo credit: Denise Hum
