Eligibility
If you are interested in joining the MESA program, then you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Enroll full time in a calculus-based major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
- Be a first-generation student (neither parent earned a bachelor's degree or higher in any country).
- Do not have a prior bachelor’s degree in any field.
- Intend to transfer to a four-year college or university for your first bachelor's degree.
- Be a U.S. citizen, resident, or AB 540/DACA
- 2.4 or higher GPA.
- Receive need-based financial aid through FAFSA or other need-based/subsidized financial aid or support.
*If you do not satisfy the eligibility requirements of both a first-generation student and receiving need-based financial aid, then you are eligible to be in the Friends of MESA (FOM) cohort. There are a limited number of spots for the FOM cohort.
The table below summarizes eligibility requirements to be a MESA student or Friends of MESA (FOM) student cohort.
Eligibility requirements | MESA | Friends of MESA (FOM) |
---|---|---|
1. First-generation student (parents or guardians do not have a a bachelor's degree or higher in any country) and you have no prior bachelor's degree |
✓ | * |
2. Receive need-based financial aid | ✓ | * |
3. STEM major or will be declaring a STEM major | ✓ | ✓ |
4. Taking or working towards a calculus course | ✓ | ✓ |
5. Intend to transfer to a four-year university/college | ✓ | ✓ |
6. U.S. citizen, resident, or AB 540/DACA | ✓ | ✓ |
7. 2.4 or higher GPA | ✓ | ✓ |
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