Photo: College of ECST, MESA STEM Day 2023
ECST's MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Center proudly hosted its 19th annual MESA STEM Day in Partnership with Boeing on October 21st, 2023. This enduring collaboration between the ECST MESA Program and Boeing has become an important regional Fall event that encourages local middle and high school students to attend college and pursue a STEM degree.
On this day, more than 800 middle and high school students, their STEM teachers, and family members attended a day of workshops, demonstrations, and lab tours designed to increase interest in STEM careers. Boeing's hands-on workshops illustrated principles of flight and rocket propulsion, and Boeing engineers gave inspirational talks about their professional activities and path toward a STEM career.
Photo: College of ECST, MESA STEM Day 2023, Boeing and ECST admins and alums
Students also got to tour ECST research and instructional labs, including the Hydrogen Station, Geotechnical Research Lab, Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Lab, Environmental Lab, and Makerspace. ECST Society for Automotive Engineers students also conducted a fun solar car design activity, and faculty and students led discipline-specific activities and college workshops.
Photo: College of ECST, MESA STEM Day 2023, ECST students presenting
More than 60 Boeing volunteers, including many Cal State LA alums, generously volunteered their time to present these many activities. In addition, more than 80 Cal State LA student volunteers and numerous ECST faculty and staff also volunteered to make the day a true success.
Photo: ECST MESA STEM Day 2023, ECST planning team, with some of the student assistants and volunteers
Special appreciation for this ongoing partnership goes to the Boeing planning team, predominantly composed of Cal State LA alums, exemplified by the commitment of individuals such as alumna Maida Lopez. Maida, the lead planning officer for this program at Boeing, returns each year to contribute to this transformative event, driven by the belief that "STEM careers change lives and provide a good path to do amazing things that have never been done before in the world."
We are looking forward to the 20th anniversary in 2024!