Loveland High School

We must change our view of talented disadvantaged and minority students' potential for achievement,
with the firm belief that our higher expectations will enhance their achievement.

 Loveland High School MESA recognizes the current dilemma of the nation, and definite need for more underrepresented youth in mathematics and the sciences. Other organizations, national and statewide, recognize this same need.

The world of students who grow up in poverty or as members of a minority group has many limits, and among these limits is the students' own sense that no one expects them to achieve, that they don't "have what it takes." As stated by the Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce:

More than any other country in the world, the United States believes that natural ability, rather than effort, explains achievement. (National Center on Education and the Economy, 1990)

LHS MESA is a program that was established to address these issues and assist our state and nation in achieving this educated citizenry. The goal of MESA is to provide globally competitive and individually competent students in mathematics, engineering and science with full participation of underrepresented students which include African American, Hispanic, American Indian and women. MESA accomplishes this goal through a partnership of higher education, school districts, business and industry, and community organizations. The partnership is dedicated to providing underrepresented students with an educational process that increases their interest, effective participation, and contribution to mathematics, engineering, and science.

MESA's efforts are directed toward Colorado's secondary (middle and high school) students. Through MESA's activities, participating students receive educational enrichment experiences and practical help needed to prepare for university-level studies in a variety of science and technology related fields.

LHS MESA, in working with precollege underrepresented students, fully supports the belief of the National Science Foundation, as stated:

"Research has demonstrated the clear and lasting impact of early learning - not only as a base for further education, but also for establishing patterns of study, talent, reasoning and curiosity. This is particularly true in the sciences, where stimulation of intellectual curiosity and an early introduction to important principles and concepts is critical to later success."

Colorado MESA programs address the need as stated by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME),

"Effective precollege minority engineering programs enrich the student and community by intervening in the cycle of minority isolation, low self esteem, low teacher expectations and poor academic performance. They counter the underdevelopment of minority students with strategies designed to break down the obstacles to achievement in scientific and technological fields."

MESA Goals

MESA goals are to:

• Provide strong and effective leadership to ensure MESA expansion and increased student coverage in Colorado.
• Provide all underrepresented students an opportunity to participate in MESA programs.
• Strengthen MESA partnerships with families, teachers, schools, school districts, higher education, business, industry, government, professional organizations, alumni, and friends.
• Secure support, both in-kind and fiscal resources, from higher education, school districts, industry, business, government, community and professional organizations and families.
• Maintain an environment in which MESA members are contributing their full potential to the success of the MESA program.
• Ensure that MESA students acquire the skills and attitudes for success in mathematics, engineering and science.
• Work with MESA partners to develop, implement, and support instruction that provides students with the necessary foundation skills, workplace competencies, and desire to pursue math, engineering and science careers.

Organizational Values

LHS MESA is committed to excellence in education for underrepresented groups in mathematics and science. The following values support this commitment:

• Educational opportunity in mathematics, science and engineering is provided to underrepresented students in the State of Colorado.
• All MESA employees, MESA teachers, MESA students, and MESA partners are valued, important and necessary contributors to the success of the MESA program.
• Growth plans are continuously reassessed to assure continuity of support, service and programs for students and are adapting to changing needs of students and the community served.
• MESA partners and staff acknowledge achievements attained by students.