Students from seven Paramount Unified schools—Alondra, Jackson, Zamboni, Hollydale, Paramount Park, Paramount High School, and Odyssey STEM Academy—wrapped up the final session of the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Saturday Engineering Academy at Cal State Long Beach’s School of Engineering.
Over the past four months, 6th-12th grade students engaged in hands-on engineering workshops designed to expand their knowledge and exposure to professional STEM fields. This fourth and final academy marks a significant turning point in the MESA season, shifting students from study, practice, and prototyping to the final development of their competition projects. These projects will be entered into Prelims, Regionals, and, for top competitors, State and National MESA competitions.
In this last session, students explored engineering principles of pressure, resistance, compression, and thrust as they designed and launched bottle rockets using water and air pressure. Beyond the technical challenges, the program offered students invaluable exposure to a university setting, where they collaborated with college students and professors, further inspiring their interest in STEM education and careers.
A special thank you to the dedicated MESA Advisors from each participating school, who will continue meeting weekly with their students, providing guidance as they refine their projects for the upcoming competitions.
Additionally, graduating MESA seniors who attend CSULB’s School of Engineering as freshman, are eligible for a $2,000 scholarship, supporting their journey into STEM careers. Each senior is also honored with a white stole, symbolizing their achievements, which they can proudly wear at their graduation in June.
As MESA students take the next step in their journey, we look forward to seeing their innovations shine at competition! 🚀🔬
#MESA #STEMEducation #FutureEngineers #ParamountUSD #CSULB #CollegeBound