Who We Are?

Every student has the potential to succeed in STEM. MESA makes sure eligible COC students have the community, tools, and support to get there.

Since 1970, MESA has helped thousands of California students break into STEM degrees and careers. At COC, MESA gives eligible students a dedicated study space, tutoring, mentorship, and opportunities you won't find anywhere else on campus.

Our Mission

The mission of the MESA Program at College of the Canyons is to assist educationally underrepresented students in understanding and navigating the STEM transfer process in order to successfully graduate with a STEM degree, transfer to a four-year institution, and ultimately become significant and positive contributors to the socioeconomic prosperity of their communities.

Getting Started

To use the MESA Student Study Center, you must have a MESA application on file. Once submitted, you'll get a validation sticker for your COC student ID. Visit the Student Study Center in Aliso Lab, Room 114,  show your validated ID, and check in at the laptop next to the reception desk.

What You Get as a MESA Student

• A dedicated study center with computers and software like MATLAB, MiniTab, and AutoCAD
• Free tutoring from faculty and peer tutors
• Weekly workshops in math, chemistry, and other subjects led by MESA facilitators
• Study groups organized for you
• Career events — guest speakers, alumni lunches, financial aid and UC application workshops
• Free textbook loans for Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering
• Calculator and laptop loans
• Locker access
• On-site Academic and Transfer Counseling; easy to get appointments
• Priority registration
• Hands-on learning through lab skills and build projects
• Leadership, scholarship, and research opportunities

MESA is part of a statewide network that helps community college students transfer into STEM degrees at a higher rate than the state average. Come see what it can do for you.