Membership
Why become a member of CCAMD?
By joining CCAMD, members unlock a powerful combination of advocacy, professional growth, and a supportive network tailored for MESA directors. We are a diverse community collaborating to enhance program quality, foster student success, and elevate leadership in STEM education across California’s community colleges.
- Professional Development Training: The CCAMD community proactively assesses and addresses common director training needs, including budgeting, reporting, campus advocacy, supervision, and development of the 13 components.
- New Directors Support: Special tailored resources to support incoming or early-career MESA Directors, including a New Director Handbook, personal outreach to new Directors, and an (upcoming) mentoring program.
- Dedicated Advocacy: CCAMD champions the interests of MESA programs and STEM students in the state legislature. We played a vital role in expanding the MESA program to all California community colleges, increasing MESA program budgets, and the passage of SB444.
- Reporting Support: Resources for directors completing NOVA, MIS, and Vision-Aligned Reporting (VAR) reports.
- Supportive Community: CCAMD brings together a supportive community of like-minded professionals to collaborate, problem solve, and have fun together.
- Directors’ Spring Summit: The CCAMD Spring Summit brings together MESA directors and staff from across the state to exchange best practices for assisting first-generation and low-income students in navigating community colleges and transferring successfully.
- Student Leadership Retreat: Nestled in the breathtaking redwoods of Santa Cruz, students from across the state connect with fellow MESA students in peaceful surroundings. This is an opportunity to participate in dynamic science and personal development workshops, build leadership skills, network, develop new friendships, and have fun.
- Member Directory & Forums: Easy access to a MESA Director directory and forum for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer support. This is a great place to crowdsource information and best practices.
94% of all MESA Directors are CCAMD Members
Exclusive Support Network and Tailored Advocacy: Joining CCAMD means becoming part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to fostering diversity in STEM. With MESA programs expanding, there are many new directors in need of support. Our network includes experienced MESA Directors, counselors, administrators, and state level advocates, all working together to support underserved students. We advocate for policies and practices that benefit these students and educators, shaping the future of STEM education for those who need it most.