Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

Program Type: Federal TRIO grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education

A comprehensive PhD and graduate school preparatory program for first-generation and income-eligible undergraduate students at Suffolk University who intend to pursue doctoral programs post-graduation.

Geographic Scope: Suffolk University, Boston, MA

Capacity: Maximum of 26 students at any given time

Key Benefits

• Summer research internship with stipend upon successful completion
• Personalized graduate school guidance and application support
• GRE preparation and test fee assistance
• Graduate school visit opportunities
• McNair Scholar-specific graduate admission application waivers (where available)
• Academic and career advising/mentoring
• Personal Education Plan (PEP)
• Laptop computers and software borrowing with technology training
• Travel to national undergraduate research conferences
• Undergraduate research journal submission opportunities
• Leadership opportunities as McNair Faculty Student Liaisons
• Networking with McNair alumni nationally
• Cultural and social group activities

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (or other eligible residency status per 34 CFR 647.3(a))
• Full-time enrollment at Suffolk University with at least 42 credit hours completed at time of entry
• Sophomore or junior with minimum 3.0 GPA
• At least one full calendar year remaining before graduation
• Never enrolled in a doctoral program
• AND at least one of the following:
  • First-generation college student who is income-eligible (per federal income guidelines)
  • Member of a group underrepresented in graduate education (34 CFR 647.7)
  • Member of a group underrepresented in certain academic disciplines (34 CFR 647.3(c)(3))

Program Requirements

• Willing to participate in McNair Scholars Summer Research Institute at least once before graduation
• Present research projects at least two conferences (McNair or Academic conferences)
• Commitment to participate in all McNair seminars, workshops, and activities until graduation

Program History

Federal TRIO program funded by U.S. Department of Education and mandated by Congress. Designed to increase the number of students in doctoral degree programs from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. Named after Astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair, first programs funded in 1989 following the Challenger Space Shuttle incident.

Application Process

1. Attend Information Session or Meet with Staff
   • Attend a McNair Scholars Information Session
   • OR meet with a member of the McNair Scholars Team
2. Submit Application
   • Download PDF application or complete online application
   • Email office for more information or access issues
   • Application auto-saves after entering contact information
   • Save link sent to email for resuming application
3. Provide Recommender Information
   • Include names of two recommenders in application
   • Application provides link to send to recommenders
   • At least one recommendation must be from a Suffolk University professor
4. Submit Required Supplemental Materials
   • Tax forms
   • Personal and research statement
   • Resume or curriculum vitae
   • Academic writing sample
   • Detailed information about each document available within application
5. Interview
   • Interviews conducted as applications are received
   • Applicants contacted once completed application submitted

Submission Methods

• In person
• By email
• By mail
• By fax
• Online

Note: Applicant responsible for ensuring all materials submitted. Contact office for assistance with document access issues.

Last Deadline Mentioned: October 20, 2024 (historical reference; check current dates with program staff)