Through Partnership with Children Now, College’s MESA Program Aims to Expand by 300% in 3 Years 

OAKLAND, CA – Children Now is partnering with Laney College to increase access, mentorship, and career opportunities for STEM students participating in the college’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program (MESA). Aimed at supporting historically marginalized and underrepresented students, the collaboration will work to strengthen preparation and connections for students pursuing STEM-related careers, as well as increase opportunities for transferring to four-year colleges and universities. It will also serve as a significant step in establishing a meaningful educational presence within the Oakland community, expanding MESA's reach to students who may not otherwise be afforded professional STEM support. 

“This partnership with Children Now will expand opportunities for students who need critical STEM support, ensuring more equitable access to mentorship, career pathways, and hands-on experiences that will help them thrive in their academic and professional journeys," said Rebecca Opsata, President of Laney College. “In its first year, Director Alyssa Arnold has laid the foundation for a strong and successful initiative, and we are very excited about the growth of the MESA Program.” 

Laney College’s MESA Program, launched in the fall of 2024, is one of a statewide collaboration between California community colleges aimed at creating more equity for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students from historically underserved communities, including those who grew up in low-income households and identify as first-generation college students. The program provides support through tutoring, transfer and career workshops, academic and professional networking opportunities, and community-building activities. The new partnership with Children Now will allow the program to expand and serve a broader range of students who demonstrate a significant need for support in pursuit of their STEM degrees. It will also work to provide students better access to internship experiences with STEM organizations and mentorship from industry professionals. 

"Expanding the MESA Program means expanding opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to the resources, support, and guidance needed to pursue STEM careers,” said Inger Stark, Vice President of Instruction at Laney College. “This collaboration with Children Now will not only enhance academic and professional development for our students but will also help build a stronger, more diverse STEM workforce that reflects the talent and potential of our community." 

Children Now, a state-wide nonprofit headquartered in Oakland that works to improve the education, health, and overall well-being of California kids, leads the California STEM Network and the Bay Area STEM Ecosystem, both collectives of organizations that exist to increase equity and access to STEM learning opportunities for all youth in California, especially in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Partnering with Laney College to further support the MESA Program aligns with the organization’s mission of making continuous, high-quality STEM instruction a core element of every child’s education. 

“All California kids need a high-quality STEM education, particularly in math and science, to graduate college career-ready and to succeed in our current economy,” said Vince Stewart, Vice President of Policy and Programs at Children Now. “The MESA Program is an incredibly valuable STEM learning resource, and we are excited to continue to build and expand on it here in the East Bay and lift up students at Laney College.”