Providing students in Oregon underrepresented in STEM with invention education opportunities through real-world problem solving
Oregon MESA (Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement) is a pre-college academic program that provides invention education opportunities to middle and high school students throughout the state of Oregon. Hosted by Portland State University, it helps equip students historically underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with 21st-century skills.
Oregon MESA serves over 400 students and their families annually, with programs in schools across four Oregon counties: Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah and Washington.
The Foundation’s support of Oregon MESA is part of its commitment to demonstrate replicable practices for building a comprehensive and healthy invention ecosystem in Oregon and nationally.
MESA Schools Program:
The MESA Schools Program empowers middle and high school students to use invention in solving real-world problems. The program is provided at no cost, and trains teachers in the MESA curriculum that is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) engineering standards.
The program includes a design project each year that culminates in the MESA Day competition, where the top middle and high school teams go on to compete at MESA USA Nationals competition.
MESA Community College Program:
The MESA Community College Program works in Oregon through Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus. It supports community college students with academic excellence workshops, academic advising and counseling, a student study center, career development, industry partners and academic support.