Overview

Established in 1986 by the U.S. Department of Education and named for astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member Dr. Ron McNair, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Scholars Program is 100% federally-funded, and is administered to Washington State University through The Graduate School. The program is one of several TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education supporting the academic achievement of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. There are 189 colleges and universities administering McNair programs.

The WSU McNair Scholars Program provides undergraduates with opportunities to participate in academic year and summer research activities. McNair Scholars participate in courses, seminars and workshops on topics related to graduate school preparation, complete a paid research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and have the opportunity to present their research at local, regional and national conferences.

For more information about Ronald E. McNair please see Story Corps Video on Ronald E. McNair, and the Netflix series, Challenger: The Final Flight.