Overview

In the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, the United States Congress established the fifth TRIO program, known as the Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. This program is designed to prepare low-income, and first-generation students for doctoral studies.

In honor of the legacy of Challenger astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair, Congress renamed the program during the technical amendments related to its reauthorization. As a result, the program was officially codified into law as the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Currently, there are 216 U.S. colleges and universities that offer graduate school preparation and services through the McNair Program.

The WSU McNair Scholars Program, administered by the WSU Graduate School, offers undergraduate students opportunities to engage in research activities during the academic year and summer. McNair Scholars participate in courses, seminars, and workshops that focus on preparing for graduate school. They also complete a research project with the support of a faculty mentor and have the opportunity to present their findings at local, regional, and national conferences.

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