About 40 students from Shannon, Coronado, Mira Vista, and Grant schools participated in the Preliminary MESA competition on Friday, March 13, at San Francisco State University.
This event followed several weeks of after-school preparation involving students and MESA advisors, according to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). During the competition, teams designed and built gliders using specific materials and requirements.
A team from Mira Vista earned first place in its division. Teams from Shannon placed second and third in their respective grade-level divisions.
According to the UC San Francisco MESA Schools Program (MSP), these competitions are designed to align with math and science standards. High-performing teams at local events are eligible to advance to regional and national contests.
The MSP provides middle and high school students in San Francisco and Oakland with academic and career resources. These include individual academic plans to monitor college readiness and training in study techniques. The program also facilitates career exploration through guest speakers and field trips to college campuses and corporate offices.
