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McNair Scholars Program

Made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to Saint Louis University, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is a TRIO program that prepares eligible high-achieving undergraduate students for the rigor of doctoral studies. 

Developed to support first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need and are traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, the McNair Scholars Program ultimately aims to increase the number of Ph.D. recipients within these populations.

SLU’s McNair Scholars Program supports approximately 25 students annually and is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Download an Application

About the McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program at SLU offers participating students opportunities to prepare for graduate studies through:

  • Faculty collaboration on research projects
  • Seminars and workshops
  • National conference presentations
  • Academic support
  • Professional developmentactivities
  • Faculty mentoring
  • Faculty-supervised summer research internships
  • GRE preparation
  • Graduate school visits

Eligibility Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the McNair Scholars Program at SLU if you are a member of the first generation in your family to complete a college degree and meet federal income guidelines, or you are member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education (African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Alaskan Native) and meet the following requirements: 

  • Possess a strong interest in graduate study leading to a Ph.D.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be currently enrolled at one of the following institutions: Saint Louis University, Fontbonne University, Harris-Stowe State University, University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Washington University in St. Louis, or Webster University.
  • Be in good academic standing (note: priority consideration will be given to students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher).
  • Have earned at least 30 credit hours and be a full-time student.
  • Must be a first-generation college student with demonstrated financial need as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education OR a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduation education: American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black (Non-Hispanic) or African-American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
  • Must be able to participate in a summer research internship, if selected.

For more information, e-mail inquiries may be sent to:  slumcnair@slu.edu