If you are considering graduate study, explore the McNair opportunity. We help outstanding
undergraduates who meet federal eligibility criteria become competitive for, get admissions
and funding offers from, and prepare to succeed in graduate and professional programs.
To receive priority consideration, students must submit completed Parts 1 and 2 of
the application by 5 pm, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 and ensure two professional references
submit complete recommendation forms by 5 pm Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. Details and forms are included below.
Info Sessions - Here are events where you can learn more about McNair.
OPEN TO ALL Interested Undergraduates, Faculty, and Staff - Refreshments provided
at in-person events
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 email mcnair@winthrop.edu to inquire about your eligibility.
Only 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).
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 1 - Part 1 will be used to establish your eligibility for the program. You must answer
the questions and submit the online survey. Do this before completing the rest of the application. Print/screenshot this survey
page, sign it, and include it with your other application materials. To guarrantee priority consideration, submit by 5 pm 10/17/22.
Part 2 - Part 2 includes the Applicant Form and Recommendation Forms which are available for
download by clicking on the links below. Follow the directions in the part II Applicant
Form. Submit all application materials via email to mcnair@winthrop.edu or in an envelope to the Program office (McNair Scholars Program, 104 Dinkins Hall,
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733). Check out "Summer Research" to see examples of recent McNair research projects and awards. To guarrantee priority consideration, submit by 5 pm 10/17/22.
Two Recommendations: Well in advance of the deadline, ask two or more references to complete and submit
the recommendation form below. To guarrantee priority consideration, two complete recommendations forms must be received
by 5 pm 10/24/22.
An alternative (MS Word) version of the form is available to references upon request
(email mcnair@winthrop.edu).
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.
