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Jacoby Nickerson, seventh-grader at Brixner Junior High School pictured here, is benefitting from Oregon Tech’s Educational Partnerships and Outreach (EPO) expansion of MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement) programming in the Klamath County School District this year. MESA is an after-school program to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) exploration for underrepresented student populations. “More opportunities that give space for students to create and innovate builds confidence and allows students to see themselves as the inventors and leaders of our future economy,” said Carleen Drago, director of EPO at Oregon Tech. As a strong STEM university, Oregon Tech has been partnering with Oregon MESA since 2014. Oregon Tech also hosts the South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership out of the Portland-Metro campus, and EPO’s efforts will expand early STEM education to Brixner Junior High School, Mazama High School, Chiloquin Junior/Senior High, and Lost River Junior/Senior High. Mazama High School teacher Laura explained, “MESA is an excellent opportunity for middle and high school students to envision their future in college. Working with Oregon Tech students gives our students access to a mentor that can answer questions and guide them into selecting career paths.” MESA’s work is supported through grant and foundation funds they receive to expand equitable STEM education statewide. Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/3afpn6by #OregonTech #STEM #MESA #PhilanthropyFriday