West Hills College District partners with energy company in math, science, engineering programs

“The partnership with Aera Energy is powerful for West Hills. Their investment to support our increasing commitment to providing math, science, engineering, and related programs is elevating the status of our college and our STEM-related programs in Coalinga,” said West Hills College District Chancellor Dr. Stuart Van Horn. “The partnership is also a wonderful example of Aera Energy’s commitment to its organizational succession planning. Together, we are building the key skills, talents, and abilities of their future workforce.”

Aera Energy’s donation creates a hub with workstations for the students, a study area, and a place to gather with their cohorts. The MESA Director, Zach Soto, will also be located in the hub as well, which allows the students direct access on a regular basis. 

The Aera donation will allow MESA to hire four tutors that will be dedicated to assisting the MESA students. Additionally, Aera also donated to the President’s Scholars Program, which will help MESA students with the cost of books and tuition. The President’s Scholars Program assists eligible students with free tuition and a stipend for books.

“West Hills MESA is poised to develop a new generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math within Fresno County,” explained Aera president and CEO Christina Sistrunk, who herself is a chemical engineer from The Ohio State University. “This program fuels diversity by supporting historically underrepresented groups to achieve their potential and access challenging and rewarding careers via STEM degrees.”

MESA is a program that helps disadvantaged students enter the science and engineering field by creating an educational foundation from middle school through college.  According to Change the Equation, STEM jobs will grow by 13% by 2027, and overall, STEM occupations have increased by 79% since 1990, according to the Pew Research Center.