MESA at the University of Southern California is part of a statewide program that serves educationally and economically disadvantaged students and, to the extent possible by law, emphasizes participation by students from groups with low rates of eligibility for four-year colleges. MESA provides a pipeline of academic services from middle school through university level to increase the number of these students who graduate with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). College prep activities at USC include 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, and parent empowerment and information sessions.

For over 40 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 66% of these students declare majors in STEM fields. USC MESA currently serves over 30 schools, 1,200 middle and high school students and 40 teachers.