Aims & Scope
RONALD E. MCNAIR POSTBACCALAUREATE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
Congress established a series of programs, funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and ultimately progress to become experts in their field. The Ronald E. Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established in 1986. The McNair program was named after Ronald E. McNair who passed away during the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle on January 28th, 1986. Its primary goal is to increase the number of Ph.D. students among groups under-represented in graduate education. Presently, there are over 156 academic institutions that house the McNair Program. Benefits of the program include faculty mentorship, opportunities to present research at various graduate school enrollment opportunities, and a generous stipend.
The Ronald E. McNair program prepares students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated strong academic potential for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other activities. The McNair program works closely with students as they complete their undergraduate requirements. The program also encourages students to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal of the McNair program is to provide enriching scholastic experiences that prepare eligible scholars for doctoral (Ph.D.) education. To this end, participants are given the unique opportunity of developing the highest-level academic and research skills needed for successful admission to and completion of a Ph.D. program. McNair scholars are eligible for the following services until they complete their baccalaureate degree: academic counseling, financial aid assistance, mentoring, research opportunities, seminars, summer internships, and tutoring. Furthermore, program staff will always be ready to provide moral support, advice and guidance to all McNair alumni throughout their graduate years as they pursue their doctoral degrees.