In Seattle MESA, we focus on at-risk and economically disadvantaged youth, including under-represented minorities and women. Our programs provide middle and high school students, and their teachers and parents, with innovative, hands-on opportunities in mathematics, basic and applied science, and engineering in both formal and informal settings. Vision
Seattle MESA envisions a vibrant, inclusive S
TEM community of career professionals in greater Seattle that is collectively innovating how we work, think, and live more responsibly on the land and in the community. Structure
Seattle MESA is hosted by the College of the Environment at the University of Washington. We are led by a Director who works with our Senior Coordinator and a range of content experts to design and deliver in-class, after school, weekend, and summer programming. Our Advisory Board is made up of STEM professionals at major employers in western Washington, as well as parents, teachers and education professionals. Get Involved
Parents- Parents of MESA students are involved so that they become an integral part of the team that delivers critical services to their children. Parents attend orientations, hands-on informative workshops, and pre-college sessions on financial aid and college applications. Parental involvement is extremely important and an essential component to the success of the program. I have students who had never had success in math. Now they feel good about what they are learning, and they believe in themselves." MESA teachers help their students bridge the achievement gap and become problem solvers who are prepared for university studies in mathematics, engineering, and science. These teachers work to inspire and impact their students, making mathematics, engineering, and science come to life. They are advocates for educational equity, and the primary contacts for MESA students. Through professional development workshops MESA teachers learn math, engineering and science content, try out MESA projects, and collaborate with MESA teachers across grade levels. Using hands-on, meaningful mathematics and science projects and materials they learn how to connect students' learning to real world careers. MESA teachers have access to guest speakers, opportunities for field trips, and funding for classroom materials. Volunteers: UW graduate and undergraduate students who want to make a difference to underrepresented youth in Seattle have an opportunity to become trained and certified Seattle MESA Tutors. Seattle MESA Tutors must commit to the following:
-Complete a Seattle MESA STEM Tutoring Training workshop.
-Attend a weekly seminar during their first quarter of tutoring.
-Tutor students once a week on site at a partner school during the afterschool program hours.
-Complete and pass the appropriate subject area test equivalent to the EOC exam.
-Complete a background check through the Seattle Public Schools. If you would like to volunteer or participate in any of our programs please feel free to contact us at [email protected].