The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, named after the late Dr. Ronald E. McNair, is a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The McNair Program is designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. In 1976 he earned his Ph.D. degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree attainment of students from underrepresented segments of society.
Most students begin the program as juniors.
During the academic year before their summer internships, McNair Scholars develop relationships with faculty members and choose an internship mentor. Students attend monthly meetings to develop community within the program and share information relevant to the pursuit of a Ph.D. During the summer before their final year of program participation, McNair Scholars conduct their Research Internship with the guidance of a faculty mentor. Upon completion of their research, scholars present their papers at regional and national conferences and submit their findings for publication.