MESA College Prep at the University of Southern California is part of a statewide program that partners with local middle and high schools to propel student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The MESA Statewide program provides a pathway of academic services from middle school through university level to help students achieve success in STEM studies and careers.

College prep activities at USC include hands-on STEM activities, MESA Day projects and competitions, Catalina Island STEM Exploration, STEM field trips, Student Leadership Retreat, college and career preparation, MESA Day Project Academies, annual Awards Gala, robotics competitions, MESA advisor/teacher trainings, and parent/family empowerment and information sessions.

For over 45 years, USC MESA has served more than 15,000 middle and high school students. Each year, more than 98% of USC MESA graduating seniors attend two-year and four-year colleges and more than 60% of these students declare majors in STEM fields. USC MESA currently serves over 30 schools, 1,300 middle and high school students and over 40 teachers.