The McNair Research Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded at 187 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education. The McNair Scholars Program prepares qualified undergraduates for entrance to a PhD program in all fields of study. This federal program was established in memory of physicist and Challenger Astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair. It is one of several TRIO programs funded by the Department of Education supporting the academic achievement of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goals of the program are to increase the number of first-generation, low-income and/or underrepresented students in Masters and Ph.D. programs, and ultimately, to diversify the faculty in colleges and universities across the country.
The McNair Research Scholars will be provided the following activities and services:
- Opportunities for research and scholarly activities
- Faculty Guided Research
- Summer research internships and a stipend of up to $2,800
- Funded travel to attend and present research at conferences
- Access to Tutoring
- Seminars and workshops to prepare participants for doctoral study
- Intrusive academic advising and counseling
- Assistance in preparing for and applying to graduate and doctoral programs, and securing financial assistance
- Career counseling and exploration
- Mentoring and networking opportunities
- Financial literacy and planning
- Increased access and exposure to STEM coursework and careers
- And many more!
Learn about Dr. McNair!
