About The McNair Scholars Program
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a federally funded initiative by the U.S. Department of Education that provides research opportunities and graduate preparation to a select group of first generation/low-income and underrepresented ethnic minority college students. A primary objective of the McNair Program is to provide academically talented students from these backgrounds effective preparation for doctoral study. The ultimate goal of the program is to diversify the American professoriate through placement of McNair alumni in faculty positions.
Currently, McNair program exists at over 180+ colleges and universities nationwide - an indication that the pathway to greater representation in academe runs through the McNair national network. At USC, the highlight of the McNair program is the Summer Research Institute (SRI). Twenty McNair "Scholars" are selected to work closely with faculty mentors on student-proposed and designed research projects. All academic disciplines including the arts and humanities, social science, natural science, and business are eligible.
Each scholar receives a $2,800 stipend to support a full-time research agenda throughout the summer while working in collaboration with a USC faculty mentor. Scholars present their scholarship orally and in writing at the conclusion of the SRI at the Annual McNair Research Symposium. A select group of outstanding scholars may receive additional funding to present their studies at professional conferences or support to visit graduate programs across the United States.