The Oregon MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) is based on a national model developed in California. The program is designed to increase the numbers of African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and women students in careers in the field of mathematics, science, and engineering. It’s a model that has been adopted by various states across the country, including Washington, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Oregon MESA began as a partnership in 1985 between the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Portland State University, and the Portland Public Schools. Today the program continues to have active chapters in both middle and high schools in Portland and is expanding to schools outside of the city of Portland.