The McNair Scholars Program
prepares high-achieving USC undergraduates for research experiences and graduate school programs. Scholars begin the program by taking a Research Methods Course in the Spring. During the Summer Research Institute, Scholars are advised by USC faculty mentors, graduate students, and program staff. Throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall, Scholars participate in graduate school-related preparation workshops and activities.
The McNair Scholars Program is a U.S. Department of Education Federal TRIO Program. The USC Office of Undergraduate Programs provides administrative oversight for the program and makes available opportunities for all students to participate in an array of academic, co-curricular, and funding programs. The core components of the USC McNair Scholars Program include a Spring Research Methods Course, Summer Research Institute (SRI), Annual Research Symposium, GRE Test Preparation, Travel Grant Awards for Conference Attendance and University Visitations, and Academic & Career Advising.
Scholars receive a $2800 stipend for participating in an intense ten-week summer program where they engage in original research under the mentorship of USC faculty members and graduate students. At the conclusion of the summer, Scholars present their findings to peers and faculty and they have an opportunity to publish their work in the program's journal. Scholars also become eligible for funding to present their research at national scholarly conferences and to visit prospective graduate school programs across the U.S.
