MESA Day 2010
By Christina Ramos and Pat Lopes Harris, Director of Media Relations
The San Jose State University Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program will host its annual MESA Day Preliminary Competitions from from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5 at SJSU. Students from nearby school districts will participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions designed to help them apply their academic skills to hands-on and real world experiences.
“MESA Day is a time to see how students can have fun while still being challenged in math and science,” says Christina Ramos, MESA Schools program director. “To see how much hard work and dedication the students put into their projects and the excitement they have when they are competing is encouraging to all who participate, from volunteers, to teachers and staff.”
This year, more than 700 educationally disadvantaged fifth through 12th grade students will participate in competitions such as designing and building bridges, airplane gliders and mousetrap cars, biological models and egg drops as well as participating in the Windmill National Design Competition. Most of the MESA Day competitions will be led by volunteer scientists and engineers from local leading companies.
The event begins with a welcome ceremony in the Student Union Barret Ballroom followed by various competitions and activities throughout the Student Union and Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering building.
“MESA DAY is an exciting opportunity for students to explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields in a unique and exciting environment,” state Maria Lopez, MESA alum and AERO Institute/NASA Ames Research Center Higher Education Specialist. “One of the best components of MESA Day is junior high and high school students being at a university and interacting with professors, scientists, engineers and a community that supports the students’ STEM education and leadership growth.”
MESA Day partners and supporters include: EMC², Cisco Systems, Google, Wells Fargo, General Electric, IBM, Intel, AMD, NASA, Pacific Bay Capitol Group, The Tech Museum, Santa Clara Valley Water District, the Society of Mexican American Engineers & Scientists (MAES), Context Training Solutions, San Jose State University, SJSU College of Science, SJSU MESA Engineering Program, SJSU campus organizations and community partners.
The SJSU MESA Schools Program is designed to prepare and motivate educationally disadvantaged students to successfully pursue college-preparatory coursework and promote careers in math and science, while developing their pre-professional and leadership skills.#
Christina Ramos is the SJSU MESA Schools Program Director. To learn more, contact Ramos at (408) 924-3837 or christina.ramos@sjsu.edu.