About the McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program at IUP is an exciting, academic, year-round commitment focusing on first-generation college students who are financially needy. The program is also focused on students from underrepresented groups who have demonstrated strong academic potential for preparation in acquiring requisite skills needed for entry into graduate study and, eventually, earning a doctoral degree. Benefits include earning a $2,500 research stipend, conference participation travel and support, preparation for the GRE and other graduate admissions requirements, and one-on-one mentoring with a faculty member.

The McNair Scholars Program is funded by a federal grant under the Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program.

As a recipient of this prestigious grant, IUP joins Penn State in Pennsylvania—and approximately 150 other universities and colleges nationally—to host a McNair Scholars Program.

The McNair grant is one of seven TRIO programs established in 1989 by Congress in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, who served as the mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on its disastrous 1986 flight.

Our Mission

The aim of the program is to provide scholars with a comprehensive program of academic support services and preparation for graduate study. McNair Scholars gain demonstrable research skills, knowledge on how to access and succeed in graduate school, and access to a network of scholarly professionals and peers. The long-term goal of the program is to increase the number of doctoral students who come from low-income, first-generation families and underrepresented groups.