McNair Scholars

About the Program

The Winthrop McNair Scholars Program prepares first generation, low-income, and underrepresented undergraduates to be successful in PhD programs by providing research and other opportunities as well as financial support throughout the graduate admissions process. Winthrop's program includes, but is not limited to, a paid summer research experience, faculty mentoring, workshops, GRE and graduate school application preparation, and travel to present research and explore graduate programs.

Winthrop’s program is funded by a five-year renewable TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. $232,265 in federal funding is provided each year for programming and materials that will help 30 eligible students prepare for graduate study. This represents approximately 73% of program costs. Winthrop contributes the remaining 27% of the budget with over $85,000 in cash and in-kind matches.

To learn more about the impact of Winthrop's Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, check out this 2017 article in the Winthrop Magazine.