McNair Scholars Program
Website: www.unco.edu/mcnair/
Email: mcnair.scholars@unco.edu
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program provides eligible undergraduate students with effective preparation for doctoral study through research and scholarly activities, summer internships, seminars and workshops, mentoring, and assistance with graduate school admission processes. Specifically, the program offers opportunities for mentored undergraduate research.
As a member of the federal TRIO family of programs, the McNair Scholars Program is dedicated to increasing access to doctoral education among currently underrepresented groups. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need or members of a group traditionally underrepresented in graduate education.
Established in 1995, UNC currently hosts the longest-running McNair Scholars Program in Colorado. Admission is highly competitive; only 15 students are selected each year.
Program Highlights
- Formulate individualized professional development plans to help achieve undergraduate and graduate academic goals
- Design and complete independent research projects with guidance from faculty mentors and McNair staff
- Deliver poster and oral presentations at local, regional and national conferences
- Receive guidance in crafting curriculum vitas and graduate admissions essays, identifying internship opportunities, and identifying sources of funding for graduate programs
- Receive assistance in preparing for graduate admissions exams
- Receive financial assistance to support completion and presentation of research, participation in the summer research internship, and graduate application processes
Program Overview
UNC McNair Scholars participate in
- an 8-week Summer Research Institute
- an advanced library research and writing course (1 credit)
- two research seminars (2 credits each)
- a one-semester graduate school preparation course (1 credit)
- workshops and events intended to introduce them to academic culture, celebrate accomplishments, and encourage continued personal, professional, and academic development
Program Eligibility
- Juniors and seniors with a 2.75 or higher GPA.
- First-generation college students with financial need
OR
- Members of populations underrepresented in graduate education (American Indian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Alaskan, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander).
- American citizen or US permanent resident
- Committed to completing a doctoral degree.
Applications are available in the spring; the deadline for applying is approximately March 1. Students are encouraged to apply during the spring of their sophomore year.
Additional Information
Detailed information is available at the McNair Scholars Program website: www.unco.edu/mcnair, by visiting the office in Michener L-75, or by emailing mcnair.scholars@unco.edu.
The McNair Scholars Program is primarily funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant.