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The program, an initiative of the 麻豆视频 College of Education, hosted its first USF Campus Day on November 8, welcoming high school students from partner schools in Pinellas and Pasco School Districts to the USF Tampa campus. The immersive experience sought to inspire and engage students in USF's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs. Students networked and connected with faculty and current students and participated in campus tours highlighting STEM careers, college readiness, and academic pathways.

"It was amazing to see all our MESA students and advisors together in one place for the first time! After months of planning, it was rewarding to watch MESA students experience USF and explore the wide range of programs available on campus," said , the associate director of Florida MESA and a doctoral student in the USF Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education program. "Their excitement for MESA and the USF community was inspiring and a powerful reminder of the importance of our work."

Anthony Rolle, the dean of the USF College of Education, and David Rosengrant, the campus dean at , were instrumental in launching the first and only MESA chapter in Florida. The program's mission is to provide enriching STEM experiences to students, helping them succeed in related college and career pathways. MESA events play a crucial role in helping students envision themselves in STEM programs and careers, including roles as future STEM educators.

鈥淚 first participated in this program back in 1981... For me, participating in MESA was instrumental to my success in college and graduate school,鈥� said Rolle in an opening statement during the November 8 event. 鈥淲hen I arrived here [USF College of Education] four years ago, one of my primary goals was to start the MESA program, so I am very excited to see six high schools participating in this first year.鈥�

"Many of our MESA advisors are science teachers who serve as role models for students, embodying our emphasis on STEM education careers. By working closely with advisors who are actively engaged in teaching STEM, students can see firsthand how impactful these roles are," said Palavra. "They learn that STEM isn't just about becoming an engineer or scientist鈥攊t's also about guiding others toward these fields."

Students participated in fun and educational trivia during the lunch and networking portion of the day hosted in the USF Anchin Center. There, they also asked questions about programs and sought advice from current USF students and staff.

"MESA gives our students opportunities they haven't had before," said Adam Wolford, a science teacher and MESA advisor at Boca Ciega High School. "It was neat for our students to see all the different aspects of a college campus and ask questions... This has really lit the spark or match for them to be excited about progressing their education."

"I hope students left feeling empowered and confident that they belong in a college environment and can see themselves thriving at USF," said Palavra. "I want them to know that MESA offers experiences like USF Campus Day, providing authentic opportunities to explore their pathways in STEM and higher education with the support they need to succeed."

The David C. Anchin Center is now working to help implement the program across the Suncoast area, including two upcoming events, Demo Day and MESA Day, in Spring 2025. These events will showcase student prototypes designed to address real-world community issues. This year鈥檚 theme, Taking Action! Designing for Sustainable Communities, encourages students to create innovative solutions that promote sustainability and positive environmental change.


The has awarded a generous $7,000 donation to USF to support the MESA Schools Program. This funding, part of the Equinix Foundation's WeGive program, which aims to bridge the digital divide and create a more accessible, equitable, and interconnected digital future, will greatly contribute to MESA's continued growth in the Tampa Bay area.

For more information about , please contact Justice Palavra.