UC Santa Cruz will host the MESA Day Preliminary Competitions on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Baskin Engineering, bringing together over 250 middle and high school students from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties as they develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) while preparing for college and careers.
Organized by the UC Santa Cruz Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) College Prep program, part of the university’s Educational Partnership Center (EPC), the event provides a platform for students to apply their creativity and problem-solving abilities through hands-on challenges. Students will take on engineering, math, and science competitions, designing, building, and refining projects that apply what they’ve learned in their MESA classes and clubs throughout the year.
Participants will construct and test devices, apply mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios, and explore medical science through activities like suturing workshops led by healthcare professionals. The event also connects students with college representatives, industry professionals, and UCSC researchers who will share insights into pathways to STEM careers.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Javier Gonzalez-Rocha, an assistant professor in applied mathematics at UCSC. He will introduce his research during the opening ceremony and later connect with students at the MESA Day Student Fair, where he will highlight the work of UCSC’s Autonomous Systems Lab (ATMOS Lab).
The Student Fair will feature hands-on activities, career exploration, and demonstrations from industry and academic partners. Students can:
- Try suturing and first aid workshops led by medical professionals from Kaiser Permanente.
- Explore engineering challenges like the Bristle Bot Challenge led by Cabrillo MESA students.
- Learn about careers in medicine, aviation, and research from Kaiser Permanente, Joby Aviation, and Stanford Oncology & Radiation.
- Meet representatives from local colleges, STEM organizations, and UCSC programs, including Cabrillo College, Hartnell College, and UCSC Admissions.
- See NASA aerospace prototypes and a lunar exploration rover, brought by the Hartnell College Foundation.
Each year, MESA Day brings together students and teachers from 11 middle and high schools across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. This annual event provides a space for young scholars to strengthen their STEM skills, engage in hands-on competitions, and explore future career pathways.
MESA Day is made possible through the support of community partners and local organizations, including Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association, New Leaf Community Markets, Grocery Outlet, Pacific Cookie Company, and Slugworks.
NorCal Knockout Robotics Tournament
MESA Day this year will take place alongside the NorCal Knockout Robotics Tournament, hosted by UCSC’s Slugbotics club. This regional combat robotics competition, also held at Baskin Engineering, will bring together about 100 attendees for a full day of robot battles.
MESA students are invited to watch the tournament, meet competitors, and talk with engineering students and professionals about robotics and design. The Slugbotics tournament runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
About MESA
The MESA College Prep program at UC Santa Cruz is part of the university’s Educational Partnership Center (EPC), which partners with students across the Monterey Bay and Pajaro Valley to expand college access, foster academic excellence, and support first-generation college students in achieving their higher education goals.
The MESA Program is a nationally recognized academic preparation program that has supported highly motivated students in STEM since 1970. It serves students from middle school through four-year college through three distinct segments: the MESA College Prep Program (K-12), the MESA Community College Program, and the MESA University Program. By providing mentorship, hands-on competitions, academic counseling, and transfer support, MESA empowers students to excel in math and science, graduate with STEM degrees, and become future engineers, scientists, and healthcare professionals.
