PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 4, 2002 AS "NEW MEXICO MESA DAY" AND HONORING THE MESA PROGRAM FOR ASSISTING STUDENTS TO SELECT AND EXCEL IN THE FIELDS OF MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE.

WHEREAS, New Mexico MESA, a nonprofit organization, is part of a national initiative to promote educational enrichment for pre-college students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups; and

WHEREAS, the New Mexico MESA program has grown dramatically since its introduction in seven schools in 1982 and now provides thousands of middle, junior and high school students in ninety-one schools statewide with year-round support and career guidance in mathematics, engineering and science; and

WHEREAS, MESA activities include tutoring, independent study, academic, university and career counseling, field trips and competitions, leadership workshops, summer enrichment, employment and mentorship programs and scholarship incentives; and

WHEREAS, MESA provides support to students, teachers, families and communities; and

WHEREAS, through MESA's efforts, students receive the educational enrichment experiences and the practical help they need to achieve academic excellence and to prepare them to enroll in college, with mathematics, engineering and science as their major fields of study;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 4, 2002 be designated as "New Mexico MESA Day"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to New Mexico MESA, incorporated.