McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program, better known as McNair Scholars Program at Rhode Island College, is a federally funded TRIO program that prepares high-achieving undergraduate students for graduate and doctoral studies. Designed for first-generation college students and those from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, the program offers a supportive and enriching environment to help students reach their academic goals.

How Our Program Works

McNair Scholars receive one-on-one faculty mentorship, participate in original research projects, and engage in both academic-year and summer programming. The program provides a wide range of resources, including graduate school preparation workshops, GRE prep, travel awards, and opportunities to present at academic conferences. Scholars work closely with staff and faculty to develop their research, strengthen their graduate school applications, and build the skills needed to succeed in advanced degree programs. If you're serious about pursuing a PhD and want to take the next step, get more McNair Scholars program specifics or view our McNair Scholars FAQs. The program is here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Complete the McNair Scholarship Eligibility Form

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair

The McNair Scholars Program is named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a trailblazing physicist, astronaut, and advocate for educational equity. Born in 1950 in South Carolina, Dr. McNair overcame the barriers of poverty and segregation to earn a Ph.D. in physics from MIT and become one of the first African American astronauts. He tragically lost his life in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, but his legacy lives on through this program, which empowers underrepresented and first-generation college students to pursue graduate education. Dr. McNair’s life is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and opportunity, extraordinary achievements are possible.