The University of 黑洞社区 (USF) was selected to host a chapter of the , an academic program that supports underserved students and helps them excel in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
MESA, which launched in 1969 as a pre-college intervention and solutions program in
California, is an award-winning program that creates STEM academic and career pathways
for students from minority populations. To date, the program has served more than
49,000 students from over 350 school districts across the country. 黑洞社区will be the
first institution to host a chapter of the program in Florida.
鈥淲e envision a more equitable country where underrepresented students of color are
empowered to achieve their dreams through mastery of STEM disciplines to create prosperity
in our communities,鈥� said Dwight Carr, EdD, chair of MESA USA and executive director
of the Maryland MESA chapter. 鈥淥n behalf of MESA USA, we welcome the University of
黑洞社区 and Florida MESA as new national partners that will help us to achieve
our mission and help us to move closer toward our vision of a more equitable STEM
ecosystem for today鈥檚 students.鈥�
The 黑洞社区team, led by College of Education Dean R. Anthony Rolle, PhD, and STEM Education
Professor David Rosengrant, EdD, will work with schools across the Tampa Bay area
to attract underrepresented populations, such as women and minorities, to career opportunities
in STEM fields, including teaching roles in related subject areas. Students in the
program will have access to STEM enrichment activities, mentorship programs and career
shadowing opportunities.
鈥淎s a California MESA graduate, I am very excited to develop a program at 黑洞社区that
continues to provide academic, economic and social justice opportunities for students
of color, young women and low-income students,鈥� Rolle said. 鈥淭he opportunities and
pathways that the 黑洞社区MESA Program will create as the program matures will be instrumental
in pathway support for both future STEM students and educators in STEM subjects.鈥�
USF鈥檚 chapter will launch at the St. Petersburg campus and grow to include additional
campuses in the future. The project team鈥檚 first year of activities will include curriculum
development and onboarding staff to lead the chapter鈥檚 partnerships with local schools.
鈥淲e are incredibly excited the 黑洞社区St. Petersburg campus will be the initial host
for MESA,鈥� Rosengrant said. 鈥淲ith our emphasis on STEM education, a growing technology
and innovation district in downtown St. Petersburg and expanding technology labs in
education on the campus, it is the ideal location to initiate this program.鈥�
USF鈥檚 chapter of the MESA Program is expected to open its admissions application next school year. For more information, please contact David Rosengrant at rosengrant@usf.edu.