Preparing Students for Doctoral Studies
The McNair Scholars Program is designed to support first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students interested in pursuing graduate studies in their disciplines leading towards a PhD.
About
About Our Program
Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is a federally funded TRIO educational grant designed to provide eligible college students with research and scholarly activities and effective preparation for doctoral study.
Students admitted to the program will engage in mentored research, experiences and other scholarly and academic activities for approximately two years until graduation. Services to students include academic research, mentoring, graduate application assistance, academic advising, graduate school visits, conference presentations and scholarly workshops and exposure to cultural events.
McNair Scholars receive a stipend of up to $2,800 linked to accomplishing specific academic milestones and assistance in securing admission and financial support for enrollment in doctoral programs.
Our Mission
The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to diversify faculty in U.S. institutions of higher education by reducing the barriers to the PhD for low-income, first-generation or students underrepresented in graduate education by providing scholars with a comprehensive and solid preparation to be strong, competitive, graduate school ready candidates.
Program Activities
Junior Year:
- Conduct research under the supervision of a mentor and produce a 10-15 research paper.
- Present research at McNair Scholars Conferences and/or professional conferences.
- Attend McNair workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by the McNair Scholars Program.
- Apply to a minimum of six undergraduate summer research opportunities. McNair staff will provide assistance with personal statements and all aspects of the summer research applications, including scholarship/funding applications. Students should seek out additional funding through the Office of Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships.
- Attend Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation course provided by the program.
- Receive academic advisement, personal counseling and academic career and goal planning.
Senior Year:
- Conduct research under the supervision of a mentor and produce a 10-15 research paper.
- Present research at McNair Scholars Conferences and/or professional conferences.
- Attend McNair workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by the McNair Scholars Program.
- Apply to a minimum of 10 PhD programs. McNair staff will provide assistance with personal statements and all aspects of the graduate school application process, including scholarship/funding applications that are part of the graduate application process.
- Attend graduate school visitations.
- Receive academic advisement, personal counseling and academic career and goal planning.