Cal State LA showcases STEM pathways and college access at MESA STEM Day for middle and high school students

Cal State LA hosted hundreds of high school and middle school students for the 21st Annual MESA STEM Day on Saturday, Nov. 8.

The College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST) and the university's Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program sponsored the annual event that provides students access to mentoring, experiences, networks, and other resources that help them pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

Longtime event partner Boeing immersed students with interactive demonstrations and provided vital information about careers in aerospace engineering.

"We build a better quality of life for everybody on this planet," said Sergio Bustamente, vice president and chief engineer of Boeing Global Services. "Engineers, scientists, mathematicians, computer programmers, and artists create and help us design and innovate. That's the power of careers in technology and STEM. This is the interest we are trying to spark in you today, or nurture in those who are already committed and gung-ho about science, technology, and math."

Boeing is a global leader in the development, production, maintenance, and enhancement of fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft, commercial and government satellites, and human spaceflight programs.

Other Boeing special guests included Senior Executive Director Al Pedroza and retirees Alex Guevara, Mitch Lee, and Luz Virgen.

About 20 high schools and 10 middle schools participated in the event, which marked the official kickoff of the MESA Program and showcased both Cal State LA and the College of ECST to prospective students from the greater Los Angeles region.

"There is so much opportunity here at Cal State LA," said Heather Lattimer, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Cal State LA, during her welcoming remarks. "This is a campus that is about supporting dreams. It's about supporting the transformation of individuals, of families, of communities through access to higher education and outstanding learning opportunities."

The students, who were accompanied by parents and teachers, participated in hands-on activities conducted by industry professionals and ECST students, faculty, and staff.

The activities for students included building and operating small-scale jumping robots, steerable robots, and bottle rockets among others. Students were also given a tour of the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, attended Boeing- and Cal State LA-led workshops, and watched demonstrations about coastal water systems, geotech engineering, and more.

"I want to give a big shoutout to the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology that is hosting this event today," Lattimer said. "The kinds of hands-on experiences that are part of today's workshops and classroom experiences are everyday experiences [at Cal State LA]. This is not a campus where you come and only listen to a lecture. This is the kind of campus where you have hands-on learning opportunities that connect you to career experiences and career networks that you'll need."

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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 270,000 distinguished alumni.