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«return to upcoming eventsMESA Buddies Program Spring 2026

MESA Buddies is a mentor program in which a MESA high school collaborates with a local elementary classroom (grades 2-5) to provide supplemental STEAM instruction and mentorship. Below you will find all needed materials to apply for a Spring 2026 MESA Buddies Program.  Please read all eligibility and course requirements carefully. It is the responsibility of the applying teacher/program to recruit a partner elementary classroom and secure administrator approval.

Application Materials:

Program Information:

MESA Buddies Program Requirements:

  • A high school program with at least 10 participating MESA students.
  • All participating high school students are required to have an A-0 completed and submitted.
  • A partner elementary classroom (grades 2-5) in the same school district with at least 15 participating students.
  • All participating elementary students will be required to submit an online parent authorization form through SurveyMonkey.
  • Each session should have a preferred 1:2 (High School:Elementary) student ratio. High School student(s) will receive a leadership credit each session (entered by the high school advisor).
  • A commitment to host 5-10 lessons (provided). Lessons may be combined to maximize travel days.
  • A commitment to coordinate any material distribution. All materials for the given lessons will be provided to you. If needed, items may need to be arranged into student packs and picked up for use during the program.
  • Each course will be allowed up to $500 for additional supplies, end of year event, transportation, or any program specific needs/requests.

If accepted as a MESA Buddies Program:

  • An acceptance packet will be sent with:
    • Instructor contract.
    • A roster template for both high school and elementary students.
    • A general course calendar template.
    • An optional budget form (for any transportation requests and end of program Buddy Event).
    • A final report template.
  • A site visit will be conducted (virtual or in person TBD).
  • Training will be provided to all accepted MESA Buddies Program Advisors.
  • A full activity guide and materials ($650+ Value) will be provided.
  • Each course will be allowed up to $500 for additional supplies, end of program event, or any program specific needs/requests.
  • A final report will be due upon the completion of the course.
  • Upon fulfillment of course requirements and submittal of required paperwork, the applying advisor will receive a $1000.00 stipend (Can be split among team teachers if desired).
  • Upon fulfillment of course requirements and submittal of required paperwork, each high school student that has completed the Buddies requirements will receive a stipend of $75.

MESA Buddies Selected Lessons:

All activities were selected for the ease of use in different settings. All final lesson guides and needed materials will be provided to accepted programs for both hybrid and live instruction. Lesson guides will include activity instructions, background information needed (for high school students), investigating questions, and materials needed. Advisors will have the opportunity to select the in person/live or the virtual/hybrid curriculum. In addition, there are (5) bonus lessons available that can be switched out with an existing lesson or added to the program if desired.

  • For a full activity list, click HERE.

MESA Buddies Important Dates and Timeline:

  • February 6, 2026 at 5PM: Applications Due via Email to anita@nmmesa.org 
  • February 9, 2026: Program Notifications Sent
  • February 15, 2026 at 4:00-5:30 PM: Orientation Meeting (Required) to review activity guide and required materials.
  • February 20, 2026: Acceptance Packet Information Due-Curriculum Choice, Calendar, Budget Request (B4), Contract, Updated Projected Roster 
  • March 1, 2026 (or first day of program): Final Student Rosters and Student Forms Due
  • February 27, 2026 (or earlier): Final Receipt of Materials at School Site from NM MESA (materials will be sent upon collection of the acceptance packet information so can be sent earlier).
  • May 29, 2026: All classes complete and Final Report Due along with paperwork to distribute stipends.

Instructor Application Information:

  • Application must be completed in entirety or will not be considered.  Please review and take time in completion. 
  • Up to (6) sites will be selected Statewide for the 2026 Spring Semester.
  • Grading and selection are based on:
    • Completeness, accuracy, strength, and overall quality of application
    • All requirements are met for the course: student numbers, budget, etc.
    • Support of school district and collaborating elementary program.

Projected Student Roster: Each high school must have a minimum of 10 student to commit to the program.  Students have to have the required paperwork on file: A-0. Final students may change, but you need a minimum commitment to apply.   

Letter(s) of Support: This letter from a school administrator needs to include a commitment and the allowance of the partnership: student time, teacher time, shared classroom, etc.

Please direct any questions and submit completed application by February 6, 2026 at 5PM to:                                            

Anita Gonzales, NM MESA Deputy Director; Email: anita@nmmesa.org; Cell: 505-718-9517

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