When David Davenport was in high school, he discovered something that changed his life - he was good at math and science and enjoyed solving real-world problems with these tools. This insight came as a result of participating in Colorado MESA. Now an IBM engineer, David also became chairman for the Denver chapter of National Society of Black Engineers.

 

The need: If Colorado is to maintain its high-tech edge, it needs a properly trained and motivated work force prepared to pursue the passionate purpose of innovation creation. What people, employers and the state need are MESAs - programs which encourage students to reach their potential in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Education and support are the answers.

 

What is MESA?: Colorado MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) is a statewide precollege program that provides after school math- and science-based learning activities to more than 3,600 prekindergarten through 12th-grade students(in 2009), more than 78 percent of whom are from ethnic and gender groups that are under represented in engineering career fields. Founded in 1980 as a part of the nonprofit Colorado Minorities Engineering Association, or CMEA, MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post-secondary education in math- and science-based fields.

 

MESA model works!: MESA after-school programs engage students in hands-on inquiry-based projects such as designing mousetrap-powered vehicles, wind turbines and robots. MESA advisers, usually math/science teachers along with university student mentors and practicing engineers, help students discover relevant math/science principles necessary to achieve success with their project. Local, state and national engineering-based competitions provide additional motivation to keep students involved.

 

The state MESA office at the University of Colorado Denver provides adviser training, program materials and academic resources. Centers at CU and Colorado State University in provide project-based curriculum, career speakers and role models. Field trips to business sites, colleges, science fairs and engineering-based competitions excite students about career opportunities. Parents are critical supporters.

 

MESA in Colorado: MESA works with 156 schools in 24 school districts throughout the state in collaboration with eight universities/colleges. Michele Towers, MESA Center director at CU-Boulder, michele.towers@cudenver.edu, supports Boulder, Jefferson, Denver and Arapahoe counties.

 

While MESA has taken root in Longmont and communities in Weld County, more schools can participate. For example, programs exist at Angevine Middle in Boulder, Centaurus High in Lafayette and Broomfield High. Boulder County needs champions to start more programs.

 

How businesses benefit: Companies are looking to hire a qualified high-tech work force. Matthew Smith, an executive from United Launch Alliance, www.ulalaunch.com,  and a MESA sponsor, said, "The average age of the United Launch Alliance work force today is 47. As more of our workers retire over the next 10 years, we need qualified graduates. That is why we sponsor MESA."

 

Colorado MESA receives no state funding. Support comes from community and corporate organizations such as The Denver Foundation, Lockheed Martin, The Daniels Fund, Xcel Energy, Ball Aerospace, Northrop Grumman and others.

 

 MESA delivers results: At a time when Colorado needs a highly-skilled, technical work force, MESA allows qualified students to enter the work force pipeline, and it does it for less than $125 per student per year.

 

One-hundred percent of MESA seniors graduate from high school and historically, more than 90 percent have enrolled in college with more than 80 percent enrolling in a math/science related major.

 

"Every experience and memory I got from the MESA club will always live with me. I owe a lot to the MESA club, because without it, I would never have had these incredible experiences," said Ernesto Chairez, who graduated from the Career Education Center and is attending CU-Boulder majoring in aerospace engineering.

 

How you can get involved:  Help the kids in your life learn to love mathematics and science. Ask your schools to sponsor a MESA program. Volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, create an internship or scholarship. Become a sponsor or volunteer for the Oct. 15-16 MESA Fall Fling at CSU-Fort Collins. Around 250 MESA high school students will taste university life, gain valuable academic, financial aid, and career information, and participate in Boat Building and Wind Energy engineering competitions. Learn more at www.cMESA.org.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek is a management consultant and board member for Colorado MESA. She can be reached through www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com.