STEM fields are pivotal for innovation, driving economic growth, and technological advancements worldwide. In the United States, STEM careers are projected to grow by 11 percent from 2020 to 2031, significantly outpacing the overall job growth rate of eight percent.
Yet research shows that while many students express interest in STEM, far fewer go on to complete degrees in these fields, with significant disparities across race and gender.
This report from the Institute for College Access & Success spotlights the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program, which is designed to address these disparities. Utilizing interviews with national STEM leaders and California Community College MESA participants, as well as qualitative data on MESA student outcomes, the report highlights the importance of tailored student success strategies to grow and strengthen California’s STEM pipeline moving forward.