McNair Scholars

Applying to the Winthrop McNair Scholars Program

The next call for applications will open in September. Eligible sophomores and juniors at Winthrop and other SC universities are encouraged to apply. In addition to Winthrop students, our program has served students at Clemson, College of Charleston, Columbia College, Limestone, and Wofford. 

Information about the program and benefits of participation are included below the application instructions on this page. If you would like to learn more about the program or your eligibility after you have reviewed this website, please contact the program at mcnair@winthrop.edu.  

Year-round, we recruit eligible students at Winthrop and other SC 4-year institutions. Please contact mcnairga@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.

 

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, or contact program staff to inquire about your eligibility.

Only apply if you can say "yes" to all of the following.

• I am interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate studies.
• I am a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or meet another citizenship requirement.*
• I am either or both
  • a first generation college student and come from a low-income family   OR
  • 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 anticipated dates for the 2020 McNair Summer Research Experience are: May 13-July 10.
• 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 end of the next spring semester.
• 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 to see the federal eligibility criteria.

In addition to the federal definitions below, students need to be a sophomore, junior or senior; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; and be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or meet another citizenship requirement*

First generation college student

The term “first generation college student” means—

(A) an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or

(B) in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

Low-income individual (See https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html)

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.

 *Visit the relevant Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at this link to see the federal eligibility criteria.  

To apply, complete and submit Parts 1 and 2 of the application in the fall. Digital or hard copies will be accepted.

       For reference only, links to the three components of the 2020 application materials 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.  Print and sign the survey and include this with your other application materials.

• 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 to the Program office (104 Dinkins Hall, Winthrop University)
  • Applicant Form (pdf  - 794 KB)

• Two Recommendations: Well in advance of the deadline, ask two or more references to complete and submit the recommendation form below.
  • Recommendation Form (pdf - 464 KB)