McNair Scholars Program

Dr. Ronald E. McNair (1950-1986) was America's second African-American astronaut in space and was killed in the Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986.

Dr. McNair, despite having come from a low-income household, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A & T University in 1971. Just five short years later, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. McNair was the first in his family to graduate from college and obtain a doctorate.

The Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program is one of the Federal TRIO Programs designed to assist undergraduate students that come from low-income households, are first-generation college students, and/or are members of an under-represented ethnic group in graduate school. This scholarship assists in preparation for doctoral studies through various scholarly activities.

Apply to become a McNair Scholar if you:

• Are enrolled with at least 60 credit hours by entry into the program
• Are a first generation college undergraduate student from a low-income family
• Are from an ethnically underrepresented group in graduate education
• Are committed to becoming an undergraduate researcher
• Are committed to pursuing your education beyond the bachelor's degree
• Are committed to obtaining a doctoral degree
• Have a competitive GPA (3.0 Minimum)
• US Citizen or permanent resident
• Are committed to working for your dreams
• Would like to receive financial support for conducting research
• Would like to work one on one with a faculty mentor and members of program staff
• Are able to commit the time and effort to participate in this highly interactive program