Oregon MESA Expands with Two New Regional Centers in Washington County and Lane County

Oregon MESA, a Portland University-based after school STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program that equips public school teachers to help underserved and underrepresented middle and high school students excel in STEM, has launched  two new regional centers: Pacific University in Washington County and Connected Lane County in Lane County. These new centers will serve as local hubs for MESA’s programs, extending the organization’s reach and impact throughout the state.

In the past decade, Oregon MESA has expanded its efforts beyond the Multnomah County region, working in partnership with local communities to ensure that its invention education programs are tailored to meet the specific cultural needs of each region. With existing regional centers in partnerships with Oregon Institute of Technology in Marion and Klamath County, MESA continues to build on this regional model to bring STEM education to more students in diverse communities.

“Our regional partners are embedded in the communities MESA serves, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and expertise. Regional partnerships are crucial to successful statewide implementation of MESA” said Elizabeth Stock, Oregon MESA’s executive director. “Pacific University and Connected Lane County have already demonstrated their commitment to advancing STEM education for students from underrepresented backgrounds, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have.”

Pacific University will support the existing MESA chapters and help advance growth goals in the region through its role as the Washington County regional center. With campuses in Forest Grove and Hillsboro, Pacific University’s long-standing commitment to educational access and community engagement makes it a natural partner for MESA.