SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Conduct graduate-level research under the guidance of a faculty member and start the preparation for Graduate School.

Now accepting applications for the 2024 McNair Scholars Program.

mcnair-buff
McNair Scholars
Meet our New Scholars
Class of 2023
mcnair-scholars-2023'

WTAMU McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (also known as the McNair Scholars Program) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is named after Dr. Ronald E. McNair, who was the second African American to fly in space. After his death in the Challenger Space Shuttle Mission, members of Congress provided funding for the McNair Scholars Program.

The McNair Scholars Program has been a part of the WTAMU campus since 1999. It is one of 23 such programs in Texas. Currently, there are 189 programs across the United States and Puerto Rico.

This program is designed to prepare qualified undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. The goal of the McNair Program is to increase graduate degree attainment of students from underrepresented segments of society.

Every spring semester, applications are accepted for entrance into the WTAMU McNair Scholars Program, funding allows for 15 positions every year. Students conduct graduate-level research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The research period begins in May concluding in Mid August. An extension can be granted into September if necessary.

Selected students for the McNair Program receive the following benefits:  
Summer research project includes the following:  

McNair Testimonials 2023


WTAMU McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (also known as the McNair Scholars Program) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is named after Dr. Ronald E. McNair, who was the second African American to fly in space. After his death in the Challenger Space Shuttle Mission, members of Congress provided funding for the McNair Scholars Program.

The McNair Scholars Program has been a part of the WTAMU campus since 1999. It is one of 23 such programs in Texas. Currently, there are 189 programs across the United States and Puerto Rico.

This program is designed to prepare qualified undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. The goal of the McNair Program is to increase graduate degree attainment of students from underrepresented segments of society.

Every spring semester, applications are accepted for entrance into the WTAMU McNair Scholars Program, funding allows for 15 positions every year. Students conduct graduate-level research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The research period begins in May concluding in Mid August. An extension can be granted into September if necessary.

Selected students for the McNair Program receive the following benefits:

  • The guidance of a mentor who oversees the research project
  • A series of seminars, which include the graduate school admission process, basic research methods and assistance in applying for financial aid used for graduate school
  • Tutoring, academic counseling, and intense GRE prep
  • Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs
  • Preparation for presentations of research findings at various research conferences
  • Fee waivers for graduate applications, paid conference travel, and fellowships for McNair scholars

McNair scholars are required to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a University faculty mentor from their academic discipline. This research project prepares the scholar for graduate-level research.

The summer research project includes the following:

  • Faculty-mentored research project
  • Graduate school seminars and workshops
  • GRE preparation
  • Development of professional research paper
  • Presentation of research at conference
  • $2,800 research stipend