The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program mandated by Congress. McNair Scholars is one of eight TRIO education programs housed in the U.S. Department of Education, and the only one primarily focused on students’ post-baccalaureate success.
McNair Scholars seeks to increase the number of undergraduate students earning doctoral degree who are low-income and first-generation, or who come from communities underrepresented in graduate education. Program participants must be committed to enrolling in graduate programs with an end goal of successfully completing a Ph.D.
Students selected to participate in McNair Scholars work with both a faculty advisor (on graduate school literacy) and a faculty mentor (on research and scholarship. Scholars define, develop, and deliver an independent research project. Scholars receive a free GRE prep course ($2,000 value). In total, Scholars are eligible for up to $5,500 for participating.
Program Services
- Research opportunities for participants who have completed at least thirty (30) hours of college
- Exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to undergraduates.
- Mentoring and advising during both the research and application processes.
- Seminars and other scholarly activities designed to prepare students for doctoral studies
- Travel to research conferences and graduate school visits
- Tutoring
- Academic counseling
- Assistance in obtaining student financial aid
- Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs
- Guidance on teaching methods and strategies via our McNair Teaching Academy
- Potential to earn over $7,000 in stipends and scholarships
Workshops
- The Nuts and Bolts of Graduate School
- The Faculty Mentor Relationship
- Public Speaking and Presentations
- How to find your research question
- GRE Prep
- Writing Personal Statements
- Creating a CV
- Choosing the right school and program for you
- How to fund your graduate education
Click here to download an overview of the program with frequently asked questions.
Eligibility
As mandated by federal law, a student is eligible to participate in the McNair Scholars Program if the student meets all four the following requirements:
1. Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
- Is a permanent resident of the United States; or
- Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident; or
- Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or
- Is a resident of one of the Freely Associated States.
2. Is currently enrolled in a degree program at The University of Texas at Austin.
3. Is…
- A low-income individual who is a first-generation college student; or
- A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education (i.e., Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Native American, Pacific Islanders);
4. Has NOT enrolled in ANY post-baccalaureate programs at an institution of higher education.
Click here to download an overview of the program with frequently asked questions.
If you meet the eligibility requirements (see appropriate tab), you can still apply for the 2020-21 academic year. For details about applying, please see the Application Procedure below. Please complete all of the requirements. Again, if you are a first-generation and low-income student, we encourage you apply.
Application Procedure
To complete an application, please submit all five of the following:
1. McNair Scholars Application (Click here to access. Please sign electronically.)
2. Statement of Purpose and Research Experience Essay (Please upload into application.)
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume including, but not limited to, a list of all academic honors, distinctions, scholarships, memberships in academic and extracurricular organizations and participation in academic activities, including research experience. (Please upload into application.)
4. Most recent copy (2019) of the IRS Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Return.
Note: Form 1040 is the strongly preferred and easiest option, but these other proof of household’s taxable income will suffice: (A) a signed statement from the individual’s parent or guardian, (B) verification from another governmental source, (C) a signed financial aid (i.e., FAFSA) application. (Please upload into application.)
5. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation, at least two of which must come from higher education faculty who can speak to your researching and writing skills. Additional recommendations do not increase chances of selection. Please provide this link — tinyurl.com/y5p2zrnd — to your recommenders. Recommenders should submit directly via this form.
All requirements must be completed and submitted for consideration.