McNair Scholars Program

What is the McNair Program?

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, also known as the McNair Scholars Program, is a collegiate achievement program that provides enriching scholastic experiences designed to prepare eligible scholars for doctoral education.

The program honors the late Dr. Ronald E. McNair, America's first African American astronaut who lost his life along with six others in the space shuttle Challenger launch explosion January 28, 1986. Funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the McNair achievement program is one of the TRIO family of programs established to promote educational opportunity for all U.S. citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic circumstance.

Applicants must qualify for membership in the program as a first generation college student meeting federal income guidelines or be a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education as defined by the U.S. Department of Education (African American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaska Native). 

Participants are given the unique opportunity of developing the highest-level academic and research skills needed for successful admission to and completion of a doctoral program.  McNair introduces participants to the concepts of research, service, and teaching in higher education.

As McNair Scholars, selected sophomores, juniors, and seniors receive assistance in applying for graduate school, participate in research projects, and work one-on-one with a faculty mentor in his or her field or area of study.  McNair Scholars have  opportunities to learn research skills, improve study and test-taking skills, prepare for the GRE exam, and learn about developing a career in higher education. 

One hundred and fifty-six McNair Scholars programs nationwide promote undergraduate research and serve as models for promoting graduate education.  The Cameron University McNair Scholars Program was established on this campus in 1999.