MESA Hosts Annual Open House

Annual open house invites Clark community to connect and learn more about MESA program

It was all fun and games on the rooftop of Clark's STEM building as students, faculty, and staff came together for the annual MESA Open House on October 9. Guests played a variety of games such as cornhole and Jenga, enjoyed a catered lunch from Fiesta Bonita, and connected with others while learning more about what the MESA program has to offer. 

MESA—which stands for Math, Engineering, Science Achievement—is a national program that supports students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At Clark, MESA helps STEM students prepare to transfer to four-year institutions and succeed in their academic and professional journeys. 

Clark student, Amelia, now in her second year and on track to earn her mechanical engineering degree, said she joined MESA after hearing about it from a friend who serves as a MESA Ambassador. “It provides so many opportunities,” she said. 

Seth, who joined MESA in 2023 and is now earning his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at Clark, shares a similar story. He loved the experience so much that within a month of joining, he became a MESA Ambassador. Throughout his years in the program, he’s been able to help students pursue career opportunities, internships, and gain scholarships. 

While the annual open house welcomes the entire Clark community to learn more about the program, MESA also hosts events throughout the year specifically for student members. Some focus on helping students learn more about STEM career pathways, while others offer opportunities to relax and build community. Students also connect informally in the MESA Center, which provides a dedicated space for studying and collaboration.  

This year, MESA’s goal is to enroll 100 Clark students as MESA scholars. Following the open house, the program reached 80 members and continues to grow.

Learn more about MESA

MESA at Clark College is a Transfer Prep program for students who are in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) graduation pathway with plans on transferring to a 4-year institution. MESA supports students as they complete their pre-transfer academic journey at Clark, with a focus on supporting their transition to a bachelor’s degree. For students who plan to continue at Clark College for a bachelor's degree (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Dental Hygiene, Nursing), MESA will support them during their prerequisite course completion. Clark College began its MESA program during the 2018-19 academic year.   

The Washington MESA program is an educational pathway program administered by the University of Washington and established by the Washington State Legislature. Clark College is one of 12 community colleges in Washington that offers a MESA transfer prep program center for its students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree.  

Learn more about MESA at Clark. 

Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications & Marketing