Welcome

The STEM-MESA Program provides STEM students with free tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions throughout the academic year to help students develop successful study skill habits. STEM students receive academic support to help set educational goals, career exploration, and a wide-range of workshops. Additionally, students can participate in STEM related activities, on campus events, and field trips.

The Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program supports students pursuing science, engineering, and mathematics degrees. It is a rigorous academic program that builds an academic peer community to increase student support and motivation. California MESA is a college and career prep engine that propels student diversity and achievement in science, engineering and math. MESA's community college level program produces a diverse population of transfer-ready students who will continue their educational journeys in four-year institutions and successfully attain math, engineering, and science degrees.

Most MESA events are open to SBVC students, faculty, and staff. Students meeting the eligibility requirements listed below are encouraged to apply to become MESA members.

STEM-MESA Office

Physical Sciences Room 121
Hours of Operation
Fall 2024 (August 12th - December 17th) 

Monday:        8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 
Tuesday:        8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 
Wednesday:   8:00 AM - 8:00 PM  
Thursday:       8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 
Friday:           11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, September 2nd (Labor Day)
Monday, November 11th (Veterans Day)
November 25th - 30th (Thanksgiving Break)
Monday, September 2nd (Labor Day)
Monday, November 11th (Veterans Day)
November 25th - 30th (Thanksgiving Break)
Donate to STEM-MESA  
Daniel Mayo
Director of STEM-MESA
(909) 387-1651
dmayo@sbccd.cc.ca.us
Physical Sciences 122
Tom Varden
Planetarium Director
(909) 384-8539
wvarden@valleycollege.edu
Planetarium
Anita Arnold
Faculty Sponsor & Professor of Allied Health/Nursing
(909) 384-8553
aarnold@valleycollege.edu
Health & Life Sciences 113
Carol Jones
Faculty Sponsor & Associate Professor - Chemistry
(909) 387-1697
carjones@valleycollege.edu
Anna Tolstova
Faculty Sponsor & Associate Professor - Physics

(909) 384-8556
atolstov@valleycollege.edu

Hayley Smalls
Faculty Sponsor & Assistant Professor - Biology
(909) 387-1692
hsmalls@valleycollege.edu

Ebony Perez
Faculty Sponsor & Assistant Professor - Mathematics
eperez@valleycollege.edu

Dr. Abena Weber
STEM-MESA Counselor
(909) 384-8941
awahab@valleycollege.edu 
Physical Sciences 140
Dr. Daniele Smith-Morton
STEM-MESA Counselor
Temporarily working with State Chancellor's Office
Fall 2024 & Spring 2025
Unavailable for counseling
Kristina Elpel
STEM-MESA Counselor
(909) 384-4415
kelpel@sbccd.cc.ca.us
Physical Sciences 139
Lourdes Maldonado
STEM-MESA Counselor
(909) 384-4415
lmaldonado@valleycollege.edu
Physical Sciences 139
Steven Silva
STEM-MESA Counselor
(909) 384-4415
ssilva@valleycollege.edu
Physical Sciences 139
Brianna Cunningham
Tutorial Coordinator
(909) 384-8559
bcunningham@valleycollege.edu
Physical Sciences 127
Amber Hamilton
Administrative Assistant
(909) 384-8873
ahamilton@valleycollege.edu
Physical Sciences 146
Faye Epps
Administrative Clerk
(909) 387-1669
eepps@sbccd.cc.ca.us
Physical Sciences 139
  1. Meet with the MESA/STEM counselor at least once per semester.
    • MESA members must have a Student Educational Plan (SEP) on file that is complete through the date of transfer

       

  2. Attend and participate in weekly Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs) as applicable
    • See the AEW section on this website for a current schedule

       

  3. Participate in the MESA Peer Mentoring program at least once per semester

     

  4. Attend at least two MESA events. For example, we offer:
    • MESA guest speakers 
    • Transfer prep workshops
    • Workshops on how to find research and internship opportunities
    • MESA seminars on various topics
    • Growth Mindset workshops
    • MESA field trips (more field trips will happen post-pandemic)
    • See the Events section on this website for a current schedule

       

  5. You will be enrolled in MESA on Canvas. The MESA Canvas site has additional resources for MESA students and you'll be able to track your participation in Canvas. 
  • Academic and career counseling throughout the year
  • Education planning for transfer to a four-year institution
  • Development of fundamental skills in core science, engineering, and math courses
  • Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs)
  • Individual and group mentoring
  • Access to workshops, guest speakers, study sessions, and field trips designed to prepare students for careers in science, engineering, and mathematics
  • Receive transfer preparation and scholarship application support
  • Develop professional relationships with professors and peers
  • Learn how to find and apply to summer research and internship opportunities
  • Enrollment in at least intermediate algebra
  • Declare a transfer major in a math, engineering, or science-based field - some majors that are considered "STEM majors" are mathematics, engineering, computer science, computer engineering, physics, astrophysics, pre-medical, botany, biology, zoology, earth sciences, geology, environmental science, and chemistry
  • Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Proof of financial need
  • Educationally under-served

If you meet the requirements or are very close to meeting them, please fill out an interest form. The STEM-MESA Director will get back to you within a week with the next steps.  

Each new STEM-MESA member must complete the STEM-MESA Orientation session. Several orientations will be held each semester.

The ALEKS lab provides a lot of insight help, especially with one-on-one tutoring and strenghting your skills. Find out how you can enroll in Math 601 (non-credit course). The course highlights mathematical properties, fundamental operations of whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, word problems, and percentages. Topics include: exponential notation, linear equations, variables, polynomials, and the appropriate operation rules for rational numbers, whole numbers and integers.

For further details, please contact STEM Counselor, Dr. Abena Weber: aweber@valleycollege.edu

 
Named for George F. Beattie, a long time SBVC math and astronomy professor, the Planetarium opened in Fall 1977. In addition to being used as a teaching facility, public shows are generally held twice a month on Friday evenings. The Planetarium also provides programs during the day for local school groups by appointment.

Learn More

STEM-MESA Tutoring & Student-Led Workshops

The services provided by the STEM-MESA Center (PS-121) are here to help you succeed at San Bernardino Valley College by providing academic support, tutoring, and academic excellence workshops in multiple subjects to a diverse group of learners.

View Tutoring Services
Events