An Impact Evaluation of the Bakersfield College’s Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Program Through STEM Education

The impact evaluation of the Bakersfield College’s (BC) Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program through STEM Education provides broad evidence of the value and role of a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. Thus, methods of analysis include theories from economics, sociology, educative evaluation and STEM education research. The impact evaluation in this study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods. MESA programs address STEM education and a STEM learning culture from academic activities through teaching, professional development, and lifelong learning. The goal of the BC’s MESA program is to improve student persistence, retention, success, course completion, and assist students in transferring competitively into a four-year institution in STEM degrees. The goal is achieved by using a thirteen-component academic model which includes a STEM expert director, student center, counseling services, scholarships, internship experience, mentoring, STEM research, Academic Excellence Workshops (AWEs), and field trips to professional conferences and universities. In all, MESA programs serve over 5,000 students yearly, which indicates a multiplied impact in the state economy including Kern County. Overall, the evaluation of program impact of BC’s MESA program is a necessary process to improve program implementation. The data collected in this study supports the importance of continuing to allocate funds for MESA programs. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that BC’s MESA program model be duplicated in more institutions for the expansion of the benefits and increase STEM graduates in the nation. As well, increased funding will aid and lessened the current STEM professional shortage crisis. Therefore, MESA would assist more students to be competitive in STEM degree completion.