The ±«Óătv (±«Óătv) 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. ±«Óătv will be the
first institution to host a chapter of the program in Florida.
“We 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,” said Dwight Carr, EdD, chair of MESA USA and executive director
of the Maryland MESA chapter. “On behalf of MESA USA, we welcome the University of
South Florida 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’s students.”
The ±«Óătv 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.
“As a California MESA graduate, I am very excited to develop a program at ±«Óătv that
continues to provide academic, economic and social justice opportunities for students
of color, young women and low-income students,” Rolle said. “The opportunities and
pathways that the ±«Óătv MESA Program will create as the program matures will be instrumental
in pathway support for both future STEM students and educators in STEM subjects.”
±«Óătv’s chapter will launch at the St. Petersburg campus and grow to include additional
campuses in the future. The project team’s first year of activities will include curriculum
development and onboarding staff to lead the chapter’s partnerships with local schools.
“We are incredibly excited the ±«Óătv St. Petersburg campus will be the initial host
for MESA,” Rosengrant said. “With 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.”
±«Óătv’s 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.