Industry Information

Student Eligibility

Undergraduate and K-12 level students are recruited to participate include the San Diego MESA Alliance campuses of:

• University:  San Diego State University.
• Community colleges:  Grossmont, Imperial Valley, Miracosta, San Diego City, San Diego Mesa, San Diego Miramar, and Southwestern.
• and various middle and high schools in the San Diego and Imperial Valley counties.  

Students that apply will be matched by the STEM Shadow Day Coordinator based on major/interests, meeting company eligibility requirements, and/or applicable campus specific logistics.  Students active in the MESA program are given application priority.

Requested Information

The application form will cover hosting questions, desired student demographics, any eligibility restrictions, documentation requirements, and other logistics. Please note some personal information is protected by the FERPA Act and cannot be disclosed by the STEM Shadow Day Coordinator unless needed for security clearance.

Liability Agreements

Students are provided with insurance coverage by their respective campuses or school districts.  High school students under the age of 18 have their parent/guardian(s) sign permission slips authorizing their school to release students for participation in STEM Shadow Day. The registration form will cover teacher or staff chaperone inquiries.  If industry hosts require liability releases to be signed as well, it is preferred to have students sign industry host release forms prior to STEM Shadow Day, but understand that in some cases, must be signed at the industry host location during the morning check-in of STEM Shadow Day.

MESA can cover the photo/media release via our generic form, unless industry hosts require students to complete their company specific version.

2026 STEM Shadow Day Timeline

• Monday, July 27 - Thursday, September 3:  Industry application period.
• Monday, September 14 - Thursday, October 1:  Student application period.
• Monday, October 5:  Students receive e-mail confirmation if application accepted or rejected (due to ineligibility, etc.).
• Tuesday, October 20 - Friday, October 23:  Students are matched to companies; with requests for identification and other documentation.
• Monday, October 26 - Tuesday, October 27:  Matched students are sent to industry.
• Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 6:  MESA staff host preparation meetings for students.
• Wednesday, November 11:  Veteran's Day holiday.
• Thursday, November 19:  STEM Shadow Day!
• Thursday, November 26:  Thanksgiving holiday.

Industry Application Options

2026 STEM Shadow Day application will be available Monday, July 27 and close Thursday, September 3, 2026.  Application can be completed online via our Google Form, or you can download a fillable .PDF version to your device and send as an e-mail file attachment.