McNair Scholars Program

Interested in graduate school?

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is one of the Department of Education's Federal TRIO Programs that seeks to improve effective preparation for doctoral study for low-income and first-generation undergraduate students, and can also include undergraduates who are underrepresented in graduate education.

The Wayne State University McNair Scholars Program, established in 2004, champions excellence in academics and leadership by providing financial and academic support to talented students who strive to excel in undergraduate research and scholarship.

The main components of the program include:

• Conducting original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor 
• Receiving training in writing, communication and graduate school preparation
• Financial support and travel opportunities that include presenting research at conferences
• Visiting top-choice graduate schools and attending cultural activities.

McNair Scholars are recruited each year during their sophomore or junior years and move through the program as they finish their baccalaureate degree. During this time, McNair prepares the scholars for graduate study by demystifying the graduate school application process and providing the students with a simulated graduate school experience. 

It should be the goal of each McNair Scholar to attain a PhD within ten years of graduating from Wayne State University.