(a) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the California Community Colleges recognize the responsibility for supporting programs that enhance educational opportunities for STEM majors, and produce a diverse pool of baccalaureate degree graduates in STEM majors by preparing students for transfer to four-year higher education institutions.

(2) It is the intent of this part to encourage community college districts to establish and implement MESA programs at community colleges that are directed at identifying students affected by social, economic, and educational disadvantages, including disproportionately impacted students, increasing the number of eligible MESA program students served, and increasing student success in transferring and completing baccalaureate degree programs in STEM majors at four-year higher education institutions.

(3) The Legislature further intends that MESA programs are not viewed as the only means of providing services to socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged students pursuing STEM majors who are eligible to transfer to four-year higher education institutions, or of meeting-related student and employee diversity objectives.

(4) The Legislature further intends that the categorical funding for MESA programs provided in the annual Budget Act for community colleges be used to establish, expand, and develop MESA programs and services for the purpose of enhancing California’s STEM workforce while aiding the state and nation in reducing equity and achievement gaps.

(b) The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges shall adopt regulations for the operation of MESA programs at community colleges that align with the programmatic components of MESA programs. The operation of MESA programs and the regulations adopted by the board of governors shall accomplish all of the following goals:

(1) Increasing the number of socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in STEM majors who are eligible to transfer to four-year higher education institutions.

(2) Implementing efficient processes and practices and using existing college transfer centers to achieve greater MESA program student transfers to four-year higher education institutions.

(3) Implementing strategies to increase the rate at which MESA program students are deemed transfer-ready in STEM majors to four-year higher education institutions.

(4) Improving the academic performance of MESA program students.

(5) Increasing the leadership skills and raising the educational expectations of MESA program students.

(6) Strengthening relationships with educators and prospective employers in business and industry to establish student internships, scholarships, and other career opportunities for MESA program students.

(7) Establishing partnerships with University of California and California State University Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement programs and Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement College Preparatory programs, California Alliance for Minority Participation programs, or similar programs in an effort to provide optimal student support services.

(8) Implementing strategies to collaborate with campus programs, such as the Student Equity and Achievement Program established in Section 78222 and the Student Success and Support Program established in Article 1 (commencing with Section 78210) of Chapter 2 of Part 48, to leverage additional resources and opportunities for MESA program students and ensure that MESA programs are integrated into campus culture and infrastructure.

(c) MESA program support provided by a community college shall supplement, but not supplant, the regular educational programs offered by the college to encourage and support the enrollment of MESA program students who seek a baccalaureate degree in STEM majors at four-year higher education institutions.

(d) The governing board of a community college district shall not use any funds received from the state for the operation and administration of MESA programs to supplant existing college resources, programs, or services. The governing board may use MESA program funds to meet the matching requirements to receive federal funds, or funds granted by nonprofit foundations, designated for the same purposes as described in this part.

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 872, Sec. 1. (SB 444) Effective January 1, 2024.)