McNair Scholars Program

About the Program

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded TRIO initiative designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through research, mentorship, and academic development.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and housed at 151 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico, the program focuses on supporting students who are first-generation and low-income as they prepare for graduate study and pursue doctoral degrees.

Its mission is to increase the number of first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds who earn doctoral degrees. Through intensive research experiences, faculty mentorship, and graduate school preparation, McNair Scholars gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in advanced academic pathways.

The program honors the legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist, NASA astronaut, and trailblazer whose life embodied determination, excellence, and a commitment to expanding opportunity. After Dr. McNair’s passing in the Challenger shuttle tragedy, Congress established the McNair Scholars Program to continue his vision of opening doors for aspiring scholars. 

Program Benefits 

The McNair Scholars experience is designed to open doors, strengthen skills, and prepare students for the rigor of graduate education.  

• Paid summer research conducted with a faculty mentor 
• Guidance on graduate applications, personal statements, and funding 
• GRE preparation, academic writing support, and research workshops 
• Opportunities to present at regional and national conferences 
• Professional development in leadership and scholarly excellence 
• Continued mentorship through an active alumni network 
• Automatic admission to the William O. Douglas Honors College