The goal of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is to increase Ph.D. attainment by students from underrepresented segments of society. The McNair Achievement Program is a federally funded educational assistance (TRiO) program designed to prepare undergraduate participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

Services

• research opportunities for participants;
• mentoring;
• seminars and other scholarly activities designed to prepare students for doctoral studies;
• summer internships;
• tutoring;
• academic counseling;
• assistance in obtaining student financial aid;
• assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs.
• cultural enrichment activities (click here to find out what activities we've done so far)

Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the UI McNair Achievement Program, a University of Idaho student must:

• be either a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident;
• qualify as a low-income AND first generation (neither parent/guardian has earned a baccalaureate degree) college student,
• OR be a member of a group underrepresented in graduate education;
• be an undergraduate student who has obtained sophomore, junior, or senior status;
• have at least a 3.00 GPA;
• be considering pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).

Opportunities

• Work with UI Faculty mentors to conduct your own research
• Get help with chosing a graduate program
• Get paid ($2800) to do research during the summer
• Travel to graduate schools
• Present research at professional conferences
• Network with McNair Scholars from all over the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What if I want to go to graduate school but don't know if I want to do a Ph.D.?
Answer: That's okay. McNair prepares you for both.

Question: What if I don't want to go directly to graduate school after my bachelor's degree? Can I still participate?
Answer: Definitely! Sometimes you just need a break from school and you might be more successful in graduate school if you wait.

Question: I'm not a science major, but I'm interested in going further in my major. Can I still be a McNair Scholar?
Answer: Of course! McNair isn't just for science majors. We take all majors, you just have to be interested in pursuing a graduate degree.

Question: I'm a transfer student and I don't know many faculty members at UI. What can I do?
Answer: If you have faculty members who know your academic abilities from other colleges, you can have them write the letters.

Question: Can I have my academic advisor or SSS counselor write a letter of recommendation for me?
Answer: Yes, just as long as that person can discuss your academic abilities.