MESA Serves Minority Youth

Your collection of opinions about violence in our city is incomplete without a word about MESA. Our 20-year-old Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program provides training in math and science to almost 10,000 historically underrepresented kids. We provide a “pipeline” of community and academic support from elementary school to college for Los Angeles County youngsters. And MESA works; about 73% of MESA high school graduates go to college, compared to 13% of their inner-city peers. Here at Cal State Los Angeles, the college-going rate among MESA juniors is closer to 95%.

Existing programs like MESA have been financially hampered over the last 10 years, yet continue to be successful at empowering and preparing students who might not otherwise leave their neighborhoods. The funding from the federal government, the state, Los Angeles Unified School District and private sources has declined despite increases in school enrollment, the number of MESA centers and a 22% increase in MESA student participation. I receive about one call a month from schools futilely seeking a MESA program at their site. MESA’s track record shows that it can change the plight of inner-city youngsters with sufficient funding.

Most disturbing to me, however, is a repeated comment from school administrators that MESA may not be welcome because it serves only African-American, Mexican-American and American Indian students. This is seen as “favoritism” by those who feel that equal educational opportunities are now available for all. Often underprepared, without financial support, and sometimes lacking in family sympathy, the challenge for college-bound minority students is still formidable. The recent uprising in Los Angeles reconfirmed that the educational programs of the ‘60s are necessary and cannot be abandoned.

After the rocks flew, the for-sale signs went up in my neighborhood. I don’t believe this is a problem that can be avoided and I’m not leaving town or sending in an army. I’m proud to live in a place where the wake-up call has been received and programs like MESA exist to model a way for the individual to meet, not abandon, their inner-city neighbors.

ELIZABETH ERICKSON

MESA Director

Cal State Los Angeles