The program, established in 1970, serves educationally disadvantaged students and, to the extent possible by law, emphasizes participation by students from groups with low eligibility rates for four-year colleges. MESA works with over 20,000 students throughout California from elementary through university levels. MESA is funded by state legislature, corporate contributions, and various grants. It is a program of the University of California.

MESA provides a rigorous, all-sided learning environment that includes individual academic planning. MESA classes, study skills and training, peer group learning, career exploration, parent involvement and other services for students from elementary school through college level.

The MESA program here at PRHS helps students succeed in college preparatory courses. Throughout the year they will be doing projects, going on fieldtrips, learning and having fun at the same time. This year MESA Day prelims will be held in Cal Poly. They will also have the opportunity to visit other colleges, meet new people and make new friends. We encourage those students who have an interest in Math and Science as well as Engineering to join MESA and come to all the MESA meetings, which will be every Tuesday during lunch in room 205. College students from Cal Poly will be visiting every week to help students. Tutoring will be available in room 205 during lunch on Thursdays.