Multicultural Engineering Program

At UC Santa Cruz

The School of Engineering (SoE) strives to maintain an environment that stimulates excellence in scholarship and service along with a commitment to diversity through the coordinated efforts and services of the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP). Also known as the MESA Engineering Program, MEP is the university level component of the statewide system Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program of the University of California Office of the President. At UC Santa Cruz, MEP is an integral part of the Undergraduate Advising Unit–providing advice in academic, career, social and cultural areas for students in the SoE community.

The Role of MEP

MEP provides a variety of academic and personal support services to encourage the academic success and graduation of aspiring engineering students who are first in their family to attend college or first to enroll in computer science or engineering studies, or from family backgrounds of limited financial resources and less educational opportunities. The MEP learning community augments students’ undergraduate experience by engaging their full participation in services and activities which ensure that students gain access and achieve success, and by leveraging a strong support network that encourages their matriculation into graduate school.

Examples of Services to Students

  • Academic advising, academic success skills seminars and workshops, faculty and alumni connections
  • Career and professional development tips (résumé and cover letters, interviewing, job fairs)
  • Community service connections, outreach, student involvement, summer bridge peer mentor positions
  • Complimentary fax services, local phone access, MEP group email list serve
  • 24-hour access to a dedicated resource/study center facility, plus computer lab with printer and internet access
  • Individual lockers, lending library, loan of textbooks, check-out of scientific calculator for exams
  • Links to part-time jobs, research fellowships, internship opportunities, technical forums and conferences
  • Peer mentoring and community support networks, social and study break events, student assistant positions
  • Peer review of applications (scholarships, summer internships, graduate school), personal statements
  • Personal advising and counseling referrals
  • Scholarship opportunities, advise on financial support
  • SHPE and NSBE student organizations support, events sponsorship, officer leadership training
  • “Success In Engineering” summer bridge program participation (for new students), student staff positions
  • Tutorial services (tutoring assistance, study cluster groups), tutor positions