Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Pathway
This pathway is for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. These fields offer exciting opportunities to solve real-world problems, drive innovation, and shape the future. By pursuing STEM, you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are in high demand across many industries.
Meet Your Success Team
Juan Luis Cazares is a faculty member in the Life Sciences Department at Los Angeles City College. His teaching and research interests include immunology, pedagogical practices in STEM, and medicine. Dedicated to both scientific inquiry and innovative approaches to learning, he works to inspire students to think critically about the intersections of biology, health, and education. If you’d like to contact Professor Cazares, please email him at cazarejl@laccd.edu.
Jayesh Bhakta is a faculty member in the Physics & Engineering Department at Los Angeles City College. His teaching and mentorship focus on physics and engineering, guiding students through both theoretical concepts and practical applications in the sciences. He is committed to supporting students as they develop strong analytical skills and prepare for transfer or careers in STEM fields. If you’d like to contact Professor Bhakta, please email him at bhaktaj@lacitycollege.edu.
Ron Kendis is a faculty member in the Mathematics Department at Los Angeles City College. With academic interests in both mathematics and psychology, he brings an interdisciplinary perspective to his teaching and mentoring. Professor Kendis helps students build a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning while also encouraging them to see connections between mathematical thinking and human behavior. If you’d like to contact Professor Kendis, please email him at kendisrg@laccd.edu.
Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
The Los Angeles City College (LACC) Math, Engineering, Science Achieve (MESA) Program is a program dedicated to creating exceptionally prepared transfer-ready students in calculus-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The goal is to provide supports to LACC students who are transferring to a 4-year university as a STEM major. MESA seeks to strengthen students who are first-generation, low-income, and educationally disadvantaged, therefore increasing the number of those historically underrepresented in STEM.
More about Degrees and Certificates
- An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree provides knowledge and skills for employment or further study in a chosen field.
- An Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree is for students interested in transferring to schools within the California State University (CSU) system to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- A Certificate of Achievement (C) is approved by the state and prepares students to enter the workforce.
- A Skills Certificate (SC) is issued by the department and prepares students to enter the workforce.
- A Noncredit Certificate (CN) is for students who want to acquire employment, transition to college, and/or explore pathways leading to a career.