The University of Kansas

The Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the TRIO programs, was established at the University of Kansas in October 1992. It is one of 99 Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Programs nationwide, designed to help ensure that the next generation of American faculty members represents the diversity of our society at large by preparing students from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education for doctoral study. The program identifies students who have the potential for success in graduate study but who need support and preparation--academically, financially, and socially--during their undergraduate years in order to be competitive for admission to graduate programs, to attain the doctorate, and to join the ranks of our next generation of faculty members.

The Activities of the program include year-round tutoring; academic skills enhancement and test-taking workshops; academic, personal, and career counseling; mentorships; and other activities designed to prepare McNair Scholars for doctoral study and careers in college teaching and research. In addition to academic year activities, a paid Summer Research Internship provides each Scholar with an opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision of a mentor. Scholars attempt to produce papers, based on research results, worthy of publication and/or presentation at professional conferences.

Our Namesake, Ronald E. McNair, was the second African American to fly in space and died tragically in the Challenger explosion.