At MESA We provide Programs that aim to inspire our students to pursue a career in STEM, While Helping them develop their leadership, reasoning, problem solving and Collaboration Skills.
SJSU Center Competitions
SJSU Center Competitions do not advance to MESA regionals or participate at MESA Day. They are hosted at San Jose State University. The Competitions layout or procedure can vary by year!
Bridges:
Students build model bridges using craft sticks (at Middle School level competition named “Stick Together”) or balsa wood (at High School level competition named “Civil Structures”) and water soluble Elmer’s style glue while adhering to strict guidelines. Bridges are tested using a “Crusher” to find the maximum load they can handle, and the strongest but lightest bridge wins.
SkyRocket Challenge: As an alternative less strict opportunity students build a “Bottle Rocket” using a plastic bottle to be launched with an air pump and launch station.
Middle School Leadership Program
The overall mission of MESA’s leadership program within the middle schools is to instill confidence, motivation, and encourage the pursuit of MESA's official United Council of MESA Chapters once they reach high school. Our teamwork model allows students to develop their skills while working closely with others, collaborating and engaging ideas that strengthen the fundamental structure. The goal is to encourage students to want to develop their leadership skills and for students to feel confident in the STEM fields.
College Poster Board:
Students write an essay of, create, and present a poster board showcasing the major features of their college of choice. They explore aspects such as location, demographics, research opportunities, and academic opportunities.
College Poster Board Display Fair: As an alternative, less strict opportunity students can build a small diorama of their university of choice, and present it. Read the guidelines
Student Leadership
United Council of Mesa Chapters (UCMC)
The United Council of MESA Chapter (UCMC) serves as a critical foundation to each MESA chapter.
UCMC was founded to connect the leadership cohorts of all MESA Chapters to a space where they can ask questions, give feedback to MESA, and learn the tools they need to successfully lead their chapter.
UCMC Officers are the leaders of the MESA Club or Period at their school. As leaders, Officers are guided by their Advisor, and have added support from the MESA Office for all important resources provided by the MESA College Prep Program.
