MESA
Are you pursuing a rigorous STEM career? If so, the Mathematics, Engineering, & Science Achievement Program (MESA) will serve as your personal community and safety net to help you navigate college life and prepare for transfer to a four-year university. The core mission of MESA is to serve income-eligible and first generation college students pursuing a calculus-based STEM degree. Let’s face it, life as a STEM student is challenging as you face rigorous classes, laboratory work, and extra responsibilities beyond the classroom to ensure you are a competitive applicant for four-year universities. MESA staff are here to help you not just survive but THRIVE as a STEM student!
The MESA program has a dedicated space inside the STEM Center (Room 122) where MESA students receive the support they need to be successful in college, including specialized STEM tutoring and counseling.
Join the NC-STEM Pathways Canvas page to receive important announcements and information on upcoming STEM events, internship, research, and scholarship opportunities. You can self-enroll at https://rccd.instructure.com/enroll/TWNAEL
Location
- STEM Center (Room 122) on the south side of campus.
- mesa@norcocollege.edu
Hours of Operation
- Monday 9 AM - 6 PM
- Tuesday 8 AM - 8 PM
- Wednesday 9 AM - 6PM
- Thursday 8 AM - 8 PM
- Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM
- Sat & Sun: Closed
MESA Team
Azadeh Iglesias
Interim MESA Coordinator
(951) 739-7803
Send Email
Brittnee Quintanar
MESA Counselor
(951) 291-8588 (Text/Phone)
Send Email
MESA Benefits & Services
The benefits of joining MESA include:
- Enhance your educational experience while completing the first two years of a bachelor's degree
- Gain industry knowledge
- Make friends who have similar academic and career interests
- Develop close relationships with STEM faculty members
- Develop and improve your academic leadership skills
- Connect with student and professional organizations to enhance your personal and professional development
MESA Services include:
- MESA Orientation
- Enrichment in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and other related sciences through specialized tutoring, academic excellence workshops, and summer/winter boot camps
- Career planning
- Academic and transfer planning
- University and College tours
- Internship and Research opportunities
- Mentorship, Conferences, and other Networking opportunities
Eligibility Requirements
- Norco College is your designated "home campus"
- No prior bachelor’s degree earned (any country)
- Actively pursuing a calculus-based (minimum of one semester required) bachelor's degree in science, engineering, math, or related field
- First-generation college student (parent(s) do not have bachelor's degree)
- Demonstrate financial need through one of the following:
- Recipient of CA Promise Grant, Pell Grant, CalGrant, CA DREAM Act, Federal Work study, CalFresh, GI Bill, or TANF
- Active participant in EOPS, CARE, CalWORKS, or TRiO SSS/SSS RISE/SSS-STEM
- You are a student parent OR your guardian is a TANF recipient
- Total household income is below 150% poverty guidelines
- U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, Dreamer, or DACA student
- Agree to participate in MESA program activities and sign our MESA Student Expectations form
ASEM students must meet one of the following:
- Option 1- Be First Generation and STEM Major
- Option 2- Demonstrate Financial Need and STEM Major
Events Calendar
MESA Counseling
My name is Dr. Brittnee Quintanar and I have worked in higher education since 2006 and as a California Community College (CCC) counselor and instructor since 2014. As an alumni of two Inland Empire CCCs, I am honored to give back to the system that opened many doors of economic upward mobility for myself and my family. I absolutely love being a CCC counselor and helping students like yourself realize and achieve your career and academic goals! I especially enjoy working with STEM students, helping you navigate a rigorous course load and successful transfer to a university for completion of your bachelor's degree. I look forward to getting to know you and learning about your personal academic and career goals. Please reach out to me with any questions or assistance scheduling a MESA counseling appointment.
Brittnee Amberley Quintanar, Ph.D.
Brittnee.Quintanar@norcocollege.edu
Text (951) 291-8588
STEM Center Room 106
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Both in-person and online zoom appointments are available. Select the “Your Choice” appointment type and you will be directed in the last screen to select “on-campus” or “video appointment.” If your schedule does not align with mine, please reach out to me and we can identify an alternative day/time to meet.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE MESA COUNSELING
MESA Tutoring
All MESA tutoring is held in-person in STEM Center room 122 Monday through Friday.
STEM Online Tutoring
Norco College LRC Tutoring
Need tutoring for additional subjects or different days/times? Review additional offerings through the Learning Resource Center.
Additional Resources
- More information about MESA Programs
- MESA Statewide Office
- REU Internships
- Pathways to Science (STEM internships/REUs)
- Zintellect (STEM internships/REUs)
MESA Coordinator
Azadeh Iglesias
Interim MESA Coordinator
Associate Counseling Faculty
(951) 739-7803
Send Email
MESA In the News