As part of the Title III and Title V HSI Grants, we have committed to creating collaborative locations that effectively engage and support Latinx and low-income students while also integrating the Latinx experience in the larger culture of Mesa College.
Cultural centers promote the concept of community, and gives students a sense of belonging, allowing them to explore racial/ethnic identity development and engage in community outreach, academic mentoring and support, leadership development, social and professional network, and alumni outreach.
We've also focused on providing spaces for Latinx and low-income students in STEM disciplines that allow them to thrive and succeed. These centers provide access to many items required for STEM courses, such as textbooks, laptops, models, calculators and toolkits, so that our students have everything they need to excel in their education.
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The AVANZA Engagement Center (AVANZA) in I4-203 (located on the second floor of the Student Services Building), is an established space aimed in supporting student on-campus engagement. AVANZA is home to the Peer Navigator program, CRUISE participants, and provides the space necessary for mentoring to take place. It promotes Latinx culture and explores Latinx identity and self-awareness. Existing programs such as Puente use this center, as well as Chicano/Chicana Studies faculty, thus creating a central location for Latinx student support. The center also offers events focused on leadership development, socio-cultural experience, and academic support.
It is crucial that all students are provided a safe space to conduct scientifically sound research projects, obtain mentoring in scientific research and enhance team building skills. The Innovation Research Lab (IRL) provides a dynamic environment for students of various backgrounds and genders to strengthen their scientific research skills and feel comfortable in performing in the STEM world. Using innovative technologies and strategies, as well as partnerships with various entities, the IRL strives to produce an extraordinary group of students that is excited and ready to embark on a career path in the competitive science world with the ability to investigate and solve real world problems and manage unforeseen challenges.