McNair Scholars Program

The purpose of the McNair Program is to increase the number of doctoral degrees attained by students who are first generation and income eligible, or members of groups that are underrepresented in graduate programs.

• Hands-on involvement in research and opportunities for peer and professional presentation
• Research stipend of $2,000
• Application fee waivers at selected institutions
• GRE preparation and fee reductions
• Attendance to professional meetings, scholarly conferences and symposiums
• Faculty mentoring
• Tutoring and supplemental instruction                                                                          
• Personal coaching and advisement
• Career guidance and resume writing
• Assistance identifying graduate school funding  and completing the application process
• Travel funds for research activities and graduate school visits and interviews

• To be eligible for the program, students must:
• Have a sincere desire to enroll in a graduate school program with the ultimate intention of completing a doctoral degree
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Minimum of 56 credits by the end of the Spring semester
• Meet first generation and income requirements or be a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the annual deadline

 APPLY HERE
[Once form is filled out, print and add checkmarks ✔️ where required and add your signature.]

 FACULTY RECOMMENDATION FORM

In January 1978, NASA selected McNair to enter the astronaut cadre as one of the first three African Americans. McNair became the second African American in space between February 3 and 11, 1984, by flying on the Challenger shuttle. Two years later, McNair and his six crew members died in an explosion aboard the space shuttle Challenger. In his memory, members of Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program to encourage first generation, income eligible college students to enroll in graduate studies.