McNair Scholars

Application Information

The crew of Space Shuttle mission STS-51-L pose for their official portrait on November 15, 1985. In the back row from left to right: Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Greg Jarvis, and Judy Resnik. In the front row from left to right: Michael J. Smith, Dick Scobee, and Ron McNair. Image from the NASA Human Space Flight Gallery.

Application Process

• Review the Eligibility Requirements. Because this is a federally funded program, these are strict requirements.
• Submit all of the following:
• A completed CWU McNair Scholars Program application
• If you have attended another college or university besides CWU, provide a copy of your transcripts from that institution (unofficial is okay) in Word or pdf format (we will access your CWU records);
• A copy of your most recently filed tax return with the SSN blacked out, or your parent(s)'s most recently filed tax return if you are claimed as a dependent by your parent(s). OR A copy of your most recent Student Aid Report (SAR) if you filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid);
• A personal statement answering all questions asked; and
• Two recommendation letters. At least one recommendation letter must come from CWU faculty in your major and the second can come from an academic advisor who can attest to your scholarly potential. If you have questions or unusual circumstances, please contact the McNair office.) Transfer students, entering CWU as a Junior in the fall quarter may provide letters from faculty at their current institution. These letters should be mailed or emailed separately to the McNair office by the applicant's recommenders.
  • Faculty Recommendation Form as interactive - PDF or Word DOC, Mail completed recommendation letters to CWU McNair Office Hebeler Room 108, Ellensburg, Washington 98926-7516. The McNair Program CWU mail stop is 7516

• MCNA 301: Intro to the McNair Scholars Program;
• Begin researching a faculty mentor in your major;
• GRE PreTest;
• Create an Individualized Action Plan.

• MCNA 395: Undergraduate Research Methods;
• Weekly meetings with your faculty mentor;
• Prepare a substantive research proposal following the provided guidelines (to be completed by early February).

• MCNA 302: Finding (and Funding) Graduate Programs;
• DHC 397: GRE Preparation (Douglas Honors College course);
• Participate in the McNair End of the Year Recognition Banquet;
• Volunteer at Source;
• Prepare for your paid summer research fellowship.

• GRE Review,
• Summer Research Fellowship,
• Graduate school visits,
• Graduate School Ph.D. Prep Conference,
• Finalize Graduate Funding & Grad School Program List,
• Take the GRE if not already taken,
• Prepare Summer Research Progress Report or abstract and review possible conference opportunities.

SECOND YEAR (Senior)
Fall Quarter

• MCNA 303: Finalizing Graduate Applications;
• Continue or edit summer research for
• conference(s) and/or publication,
• Take the GRE if not already taken,
• Murdock Conference or other conferences

• McNair Workshops on various topics.

• Present research at Source
• Participate in McNair End of the Year Recognition Banquet,
• Finalize graduate school plans,
• Exit interview with McNair staff,
• Honors Convocation.