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For
Immediate Release
July
17, 2000
Contact:
Dr. Josephine Vasquez (josiev@csufresno.edu)
or
Ms. Elena Nuņo (elenan@csufresno.edu)
(559) 278-2976
The
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program at California
State University, Fresno hosts the 18th Annual Leadership Conference
(The
30-year-old MESA program, administered by the University of California,
is one of the oldest and most successful programs designed to serve
educationally disadvantaged students. MESA establishes partnerships
with higher education segments and K-12 schools to help students
succeed in math and science.)
Fresno,
July 17 -- 100 high school student leaders will attend a unique
Leadership Conference from July 24-29, 2000. These students, representing
14 MESA Centers, are historically underrepresented at institutions
of higher learning. They face serious challenges as they pursue
their educational and leadership goals. The conference exposes students
to industry and academic professionals, problem-solving activities
and training workshops that allow them to acquire valuable leadership
and academic skills. The theme of this year's Conference is "The
Leadership Challenge".
Students will receive training on subjects such as: "The 7 Habits
of Highly Effective Teens", "Self-Esteem", and "Teambuilding". In
addition, teams of students will compete in a two-day Academic Decathlon
featuring problems developed by CSU Fresno faculty in the College
of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics, and the College of Agriculture. Students will also
be required to complete a week-long "Teatro" project with their
teammates illustrating leadership challenges throughout the 20th
Century. Assemblywoman Sarah Reyes is the featured keynote speaker
on Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 11:15 AM in the Engineering East
Building, Room 191.
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is one of the
country's oldest and most successful programs that nurtures and
unleashes student performance in math, science, and engineering.
MESA seeks to have all of its participants attain degrees in math-based
fields from four year institutions. The program, established in
1970, serves educationally/economically disadvantaged students.
MESA school sites receive a wide range of services which assist
in the following areas: student retention, especially in college
prep course work; higher graduation rates; increased numbers of
students enrolling at four-year universities; a stronger parent
community; an increased number of students pursuing careers in mathematics,
science, and engineering fields.
The Conference is hosted by the CSU Fresno MESA Center and facilitated
by Dr. Josephine Vasquez, Elena Nuņo, and Rosa Martinez, all of
whom have been past participants in the MESA program locally and
are now serving in professional positions in the Center.
Mathematics, Engineering, Science
Achievement Program
2220 E. San Ramon Ave. M/S EE94
Fresno, CA 93740-8028
559. 278-2976
Fax 559. 278-4517
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