WSU McNair Scholars Program receives full funding for the next five years
The McNair Scholars Program serves 28 first-generation, low-income and underrepresented college students who have a desire to pursue graduate studies, with the goal of attaining a doctoral degree. The program has served over 300 students in the 22 years since its inception, and 89 percent of those participating in the program have completed a bachelor's degree.
Students participating in the program are empowered through unique opportunities such as summer research internships, seminars, high-impact activities designed as preparation for doctoral study and exposure to cultural events not usually available to disadvantaged students. About 45 percent of students have continued their education to complete a master's degree, and 12 percent have completed doctoral level studies.
"It's such an honor to work with such bright students," says LaWanda Holt-Fields, program director of The McNair Scholars Program. "Their dreams become a reality."
The McNair Scholars Program was founded in October 1995. It's named in honor of deceased NASA astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crewmember Ronald E. McNair.