If you would like to get paid to conduct research, please consider Winthrop’s McNair
Scholars Program. We offer a $2800 summer research internship plus on-campus summer
housing, meals, and a free 3-hour course (MCNR 300). We work with each McNair participant
to identify and hire a PhD faculty research mentor in their field of interest. All
majors are welcome. Winthrop McNair Scholars present their research at a national
conference and many have earned national awards for their presentations. Learn about
our 17 amazing 2022 Scholars’ projects here: https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/mcnair/WMS22Awards.pdf.
The McNair experience starts with summer research, but McNair support continues until
graduation and beyond. Winthrop’s McNair program also pays for students’ travel to
conferences and grad school fairs, grad test prep and fees, grad application fees,
and more. McNair Scholars receive guidance throughout the graduate application and
interview process as well as help finding funding for graduate study. Undergraduate
research makes graduate and professional school applicants more competitive for admissions
and funding. Additionally, being listed in the National Directory of McNair Scholars
opens all kinds of research, grad admissions, and funding opportunities.One of the
best parts of McNair is being a part of a cohort of bright, motivated, and supportive
peers.
The deadline guarranteeing consideration this year has passed, but we continue to
accept applications and recommendations for our wait list. Almost every year, we select
one or more students from the wait list to join the program. Application details and forms are below.
To apply, complete and submit Parts 1 and 2 of the application and have two professional
recommendations submitted on your behalf.
Links to the three components of the current application are below.
Part 2 - Part 2 includes the Applicant Form available for download at the link below. Submit
all application materials via e-mail to mcnair@winthrop.edu or in an envelope to the Program office (McNair Scholars Program, 104 Dinkins Hall,
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733). If you are looking for ideas for the research
plan, check out "Summer Research" to see examples of recent McNair research projects and awards.
Two Recommendations: Ask two professional references to complete and submit the recommendation form below.
At least one of the two references must be a college faculty member who has evaluated
your work.
An alternative (MS Word) version of the form is available to references upon request
(e-mail mcnair@winthrop.edu).
Are you eligible to be a Winthrop McNair Scholar?
If you are interested in participating in the Winthrop McNair Scholars Program, but
do not know if you are eligible, complete the online survey ASAP or e-mail mcnair@winthrop.edu to inquire about your eligibility.
Apply if you can say "yes" to all of the following.
I am interested in pursuing a PhD, another doctorate, or a master's degree.
I am a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or meet another citizenship requirement.*
I am either or both
a first generation college student* from a low-income family* OR
a college student from a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in graduate education.*
I am available to participate in the McNair summer research internship all day every
weekday. The summer research internship runs mid-May through mid-July.
I have a GPA of 3.0 or better and am enrolled at a four-year college or university
in SC.
I will have completed my sophomore year (at least 54 credit hours) by the beginning
of the next summer.
I will graduate at least one semester after the next McNair Summer Research Experience.
*Visit the relevant Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at this link and this link to see federal eligibility criteria and key definitions. The definitions below are
quoted from the CFR and most recent Annual Performance Report (APR) instructions found
here (https://www2.ed.gov/programs/triomcnair/report.html).
First generation college student
Low-income individual
The term “low-income individual” means an individual from a family whose taxable income
for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty
level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census. See https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html.
Groups underrepresented in graduate education
The following ethnic and racial groups are considered underrepresented in graduate
education: Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native (as defined
in section 7306 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended
(ESEA)), Native Hawaiians (as defined in section 7207 of the ESEA), and Native American
Pacific Islanders (as defined in section 320 of the HEA).
Eligible sophomores and juniors at Winthrop and other SC colleges and universities
are encouraged to apply (see eligibility info below). In addition to Winthrop students,
our program has served students at Clemson, College of Charleston, Columbia College,
Limestone, and Wofford.
To learn more about the program or your eligibility after you have reviewed this website,
join one of our drop-in sessions or contact the program at mcnair@winthrop.edu. Please contact mcnair@winthrop.edu if you are interested in arranging or attending a Winthrop McNair info session. You
can also learn about the program by checking out our program flyer.
