SB 444: Community colleges: Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) programs.

Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges.

This bill would encourage community college districts to establish and implement Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) programs at community colleges that are directed at identifying students affected by social, economic, and educational disadvantages, increasing the number of eligible students served under MESA programs, and increasing student success in transferring and completing baccalaureate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors at four-year higher education institutions, as specified. The bill would require the Board of Governors to adopt regulations for the operation of MESA programs at community colleges that align with the programmatic components of MESA programs. The bill would require the operation of MESA programs and the regulations adopted by the Board of Governors to accomplish certain goals.