The Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at Washington State University Everett is making an impact by helping students from underrepresented populations succeed in STEM fields. As a nationally recognized, career-connected learning program, MESA provides a support system designed to guide students from college into professional pathways. Services include one-on-one and group tutoring, specialized courses, professional mentorship, industry field trips and a dedicated network.
A year of impact
In its inaugural 2024–25 academic year, the MESA program recruited 28 students, accounting for about 13% of campus enrollment. Of that group, 65% identify as students of color and 38% as women.
The program’s success is reflected in student outcomes:
- Academic performance: The average GPA rose from 3.0 in fall 2024 to 3.38 by spring 2025. More than half of MESA students earned a 3.5 GPA or higher, and eight achieved a perfect 4.0.
- Retention: MESA recorded a 92% retention rate between fall and spring semesters, higher than the campus average. Ten students graduated, and 15 of the remaining 16 returned for fall 2025.
- Career readiness: The program hosted more than 37 workshops on academic success, career preparation and mental health.
- Industry connections: MESA partnered with companies including Boeing, Microsoft, Helion and Fluke, leading to events such as Industry Mentor Night and a Women in Engineering social.
- Opportunities: Students attended professional conferences, including the Society of Women Engineers national event. Two students received internship offers from Polaris and Helion. One student participated in a study abroad program in Kenya focused on sustainable ecology.
“MESA kept me in school and motivated to succeed,” said Camille Orego, a software engineering major. “I would not have been as successful this academic year had I not joined MESA.”
Looking ahead
The program aims to increase enrollment to 50 students by the end of its second year. Planned initiatives include:
- Summer Bridge Program: Designed to help incoming students transition to WSU Everett and connect with faculty, resources and peers early.
- Community college collaboration: Joint industry visits, mentoring nights and academic workshops with local MESA programs, along with shared student projects.
- Snohomish County MESA Day: A collaborative event with Everett Community College and Edmonds College featuring career development workshops, STEM activities and networking.
“Seeing the impact our MESA program has had on students across Washington has been amazing,” said Rick Flores, director of the WSU Everett MESA program. “WSU Everett is ready to welcome MESA students from across the state to join the Cougar family and succeed in earning their degrees and entering the workforce.”
The program has become an integral part of WSU Everett’s campus culture. Through its commitment to holistic support, MESA helps students persist, graduate and launch into high-demand careers.
