Mission
CSC² aims to recruit and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors and facilitate their academic success. Throughout the program, students will have access to services that will provide academic guidance and personal support.
History
Since 1985, the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management at CSU, Chico has been home to the MESA Engineering Program (MEP) which provides academic and support services to students from underrepresented groups. For more than 30 years, MEP has been an essential program that has helped thousands of underrepresented students complete their engineering, computer science, and construction management degrees. MEP has provided career awareness, professional development opportunities, scholarships, technical career fairs, and motivation activities including sponsored guest speakers, field trips, workshops, and tutoring. In 2016, MEP expanded its services and student retention model to include the Colleges of Natural Sciences and Agriculture by creating the program Chico STEM Connections Collaborative—CSC².
CSC² received $4.2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education through the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Division. Under this grant, CSC² serves students by providing academic support, peer mentoring, financial literacy, undergraduate research opportunities, and community college transfer student support. For more information about CSC² services visit Services and Eligibility page.
CSC² is an innovative program working in collaboration with other California State Universities throughout the state to coordinate and integrate project data into one of the largest and most comprehensive evaluations of best practices found in the nation. Therefore, Chico State will play a crucial role in creating systemic change for our diverse and underserved population.