STEM Engagement Center
Welcome to RCC's STEM Engagement Center and MESA Program
Riverside City College offers a range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees, certificates, and skill awards to pursue your STEM educational and career goals. We offer various STEM programs and services to provide you with the academic support and resources you need to be a successful STEM major.
STEM Career & Academic Pathways
Interested in what STEM degrees, certificates, and skill awards riverside City College offers? Browse our STEM Career and Academic Pathway to help you determine which STEM program you would like to pursue. Each STEM program includes an overview, set of clear course-taking requirements, learning outcomes, and career information.
Explore STEM Career & Academic Pathways
STEM Support Programs
Access tutoring services for subjects across the STEM spectrum.
The MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) Program is a state-funded program that supports economically & educationally disadvantaged STEM students.
STEM Student Clubs
The purpose of this organization shall be to celebrate and grow student interest, knowledge, and excitement about astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration.
Meetings: Tuesdays at 12:50-1:50 pm in the Planetarium.
Advisor: Brock Russell (brock.russell@rcc.edu)
Our club offers an open, diverse space for any student interested in the chemical sciences and its applications to explore chemistry outside of the classroom setting. We promote student advancement into the sciences, focusing on understanding the world, both large and small, through chemistry.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 12:50-1:50 pm in MTSC 437
Co-Advisors: Melissa Harman (Melissa.harman@rcc.edu), Wendy McKeen (wendy.mckeen@rcc.edu)
Instagram: @chemclubrcc
Meetings: Thursdays, 12:50-1:50 pm, TBD
Advisor: Tony Musumba (Tony.Musumba@rcc.edu)
The Math Club is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where all STEM students can thrive. We believe that math is for everyone, providing support through collaboration, coursework assistance, and engaging math competitions.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 12:50 - 1:50 pm in MTSC 146
Advisor: Valerie Merrill (Valerie.merrill@rcc.edu)
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The purpose of the Plant Club shall be to foster a community of individuals interested in the cultivation, care, and appreciation of plants. The club aims to provide educational opportunities, create a supportive environment for plant enthusiasts, and promote sustainable and responsible plant care practices.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday from 12:50 - 1:50 pm in MTSC 438.
Advisors: Virginia White (Virginia.White@rcc.edu), Wendy McKeen (wendy.mckeen@rcc.edu)
Mission Statement: The purpose of this organization shall be to advocate and promote sustainability for the Riverside Community College student body, focusing on environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic efficiency.
Meetings: Thursdays from 12:50-1:50 pm in Math and Science Room 307
Co-Advisors: Dr. Tonya Huff (Tonya.Huff@rcc.edu), Preston Galusky (Preston.Galusky@rcc.edu)
Club President: Ofelia Dorotea (odoroteo1@student.rccd.edu)
Club Email and SM:
Email: sscofrcc@gmail.com
Facebook: RCC Sustainability Champions
Instagram: sustainabilityatrcc
The purpose of this organization shall be to empower women, provide an environment for students interested in STEM to get info/skills needed for their STEM fields of interest, and to encourage gender equity within STEM majors.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday from 12:50-1:50 pm in MTSC 140.
Advisors: Adriana Arias (Adriana.Arias@rcc.edu), Michelle Callahan (Michelle.callahan@rcc.edu)
STEM Resources
Access the STEM Engagement Center's resources in one place.
Stay updated on upcoming conferences, workshops, and activities.
STEM Engagement Center
Welcome to the STEM Engagement Center! Our mission is to support your success as a STEM student at RCC. Whether you need academic guidance, resources, or a welcoming space to study, we've got you covered.
What We Offer
- Dedicated Support Team
- Resource Assistance
- Study Spaces
Contact Us
đź“Ť Location: Martin Luther King Building, Room 306
⏰ Office Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm | Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
🖥️ Virtual Hours (via Zoom): Monday: 2 - 4:30 pm | Tuesday: 2 - 4 pm | Wednesday: 1:35 - 3:25 pm | Friday: 3:10 – 5 pm
Your STEM Engagement Center Team
Stay connected and informed about RCC's STEM Division, academic programs, and events. Our team is available to answer your questions virtually or in person.
Timothy Gavilanes
Email: Timothy.Gavilanes@rcc.edu
Phone: (951) 328-3694
Office: MLK Building, Room 306
Kheesa Slaughter
Email: Kheesa.Slaughter@rcc.edu
Phone: (951) 328-3634
Office: MLK Building, Room 306
STEM Counseling Services
Need academic advice or help planning your coursework? Connect with a STEM counselor for personalized support.
- Schedule an Appointment: For comprehensive Student Educational Plans and more!
- Drop-In Counseling: Got a quick question? Drop-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis for 15-minute sessions. Be sure to have your student ID ready.
STEM Tutoring Services
Online Tutoring: BIO-1, BIO-45, BIO-50A, BIO-55, CHE-3, MAT-10, MAT-11, MAT-12, MAT-1A, MATH-1, MAT-23, MAT-35, MAT-36, MAT-5, MAT-52, MAT-53, NRN-12, NVN-55B, PHY-2A, PHY-4A, PHY-4B, PHY-4C.
Study Group Leader Sessions: CHE-2A, CHE-3 are Tuesdays from 11 am - 12:50 pm and Thursdays from Noon - 2 pm in MLK-306.
Register for a free account: https://riverside.mywconline.com/
NetTutor is a high-quality online tutoring alternative service offered free to RCC students. NetTutor’s service is available 24/7, allowing you to schedule tutoring sessions at a time that suits your busy lifestyle.
Need Additional help with Math? See the Math Learning Center Tutor Schedule:
Tutor Schedule
Need help with Biology 1? Live Schedule for Bio 1 Study Group Leader Sessions:
Tutor Schedule
Study Group Leader Sessions (SGL) for CHE-2 and CHE-3 available Tuesdays from 11 am - 12:50 pm and Thursdays from Noon - 2 pm at the STEM Center (MLK 306). No RSVP required.
MESA program
The Riverside City College MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) Program is a state-funded initiative designed to empower economically and educationally disadvantaged students pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). By fostering academic excellence and professional growth, the MESA Program equips students to successfully transfer to four-year universities and thrive as future leaders in STEM fields. Join the MESA family!
Services & Benefits:
- STEM Cultural Enrichment
- STEM Counseling
- Tutoring
- Financial Literacy
- Transfer Information & Assistance
- College Tours
- Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW)
- Research & Internship Assistance
- Networking & Scholarship Opportunities
About the MESA Program at RCC
To qualify for MESA, you must:
- Designate Riverside City College as your home campus.
- Intend to transfer to a four-year institution and not already hold a Bachelor's degree.
- Be eligible for or currently receiving financial aid, such as the CA Promise Grant, Pell Grant, CalGrant, CA DREAM Act, Federal Work-Study, CalFresh, GI Bill, or TANF.
- Have a residential status of U.S. Citizen, Resident, or AB 540/DACA.
- Be a First-Generation College Student, meaning your parents did not obtain a bachelor's degree in the U.S.
- Declare a calculus-based major in math, science, or engineering.
- Plan to take two consecutive STEM courses following Pre-Calculus and Calculus I.
If you are able to answer “YES” to all the questions, it is highly likely that you are eligible for the MESA Program! If you are not sure, you are encouraged to still submit a MESA interest form.
If accepted into the program, students are expected to complete:
- Attend a MESA Orientation once per semester.
- Complete an Academic Progress Report each semester.
- Meet with a counselor at least once per semester.
- Update their educational plan annually.
- Participate in at least one MESA event or workshop per semester.
- Apply to at least one scholarship, research opportunity, or internship each year.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.2 or higher each semester.
Contact Us
Location: MLK-222
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm | Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
Your MESA Support Team