Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is part of a federally funded initiative designed to prepare undergraduate students from underrepresented groups for doctoral studies. The program is named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and astronaut who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The McNair Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds who pursue and complete Ph.D. programs.
The program provides comprehensive support to participants, including opportunities for research, mentoring, academic counseling, and assistance with the graduate school application process. McNair Scholars are paired with faculty mentors who guide them through the process of developing and conducting research projects. These projects are typically conducted over the summer and culminate in a research presentation at the annual McNair Symposium.
In addition to research experience, McNair Scholars receive GRE preparation, workshops on topics such as academic writing and applying to graduate school, and opportunities to attend conferences. The program also offers financial support for research-related expenses, conference travel, and graduate school application fees.
Eligibility Requirements
- Undergraduate Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled as juniors or seniors at UW-Madison.
- Underrepresented Groups: The program is specifically designed for students who are first-generation college students with financial need or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander).
- Academic Achievement: Applicants should have a strong academic record, typically with a minimum GPA requirement (often 3.0 or higher).
- Commitment to Doctoral Studies: Applicants must have a genuine interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree and demonstrate a commitment to academic research.
- Application Materials: Applicants typically need to submit a resume, a personal statement describing their research interests and career goals, unofficial transcripts, and letters of recommendation. An interview may also be part of the selection process
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.