We are excited to invite MESA directors, counselors, and staff from across California to the CCAMD Spring Summit! This gathering brings together dedicated professionals committed to empowering first-generation and low-income students as they navigate community colleges and achieve successful transfers.
The Best Practices Conference will feature dynamic breakout sessions showcasing the creativity, innovation, and dedication of MESA educators statewide. Beyond networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable strategies for managing educational initiatives and optimizing funding opportunities that directly impact student success.
Conference Details:Dates: Wednesday, March 11–Friday, March 13, 2026 Location: The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
686 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
HackMESA 2.0 is a student-centered hackathon created specifically for community college MESA students across California. The event provides students with hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, technical skill development, and professional communication.
Students work in teams to design and build solutions to real world challenges while receiving mentorship from faculty, industry professionals, and advanced peers. This experience aligns directly with MESA goals of increasing persistence, confidence, and successful transfer in STEM fields.
Join us for the inaugural 2026 MESA Transfer Conference, a statewide event bringing together community college STEM students and four-year institutions from across California.
Students will explore transfer pathways, campus resources, and connect directly with universities supporting STEM success. Recruiters and institutions will engage with 300–400 motivated MESA STEM students, most preparing to transfer within the next academic year.
With MESA serving 9,000+ STEM majors across 96 campuses and achieving a nearly 89% retention rate, this conference is a powerful space to build connections, share opportunities, and strengthen STEM transfer pathways.
We look forward to welcoming both students and institutional partners.
California Community College MESA Directors
MESA staff and students, please register by Monday, February 16th, 2026
Four-year institution recruiters/exhibitors, please register by Friday, March 13th, 2026
Hotel Information: Please return to this page for hotel registration links, which will be posted when available. more info...
