About the Program
Wichita State University is proud to host the prestigious Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, a federal TRIO Program 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This project, also known as the McNair Scholars Program, was established in 1986 by the U.S. Department of Education. The Program identifies and prepares 28 eligible WSU students for graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. by providing research training and early scholarly experiences to high-achieving undergraduates. These experiences give students opportunities to define goals and develop critical skills needed for success at the doctoral level. The Program is named in honor of deceased NASA astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crewmember Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D.Wichita State's Program started in October 1995.
Students may apply to the McNair Scholars Program during their sophomore year. McNair Scholars participate in research training and scholarly experiences through these modules, related activities including preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), research performed under the guidance of a research mentor, presenting research at regional and national academic conferences, and publishing work in the WSU McNair Journal of Research Reports.
Program Mission
- Encourage students who are under-represented in higher education to pursue post-baccalaureate studies.
- Focus on African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students.
- Provide quality services to ensure that participants graduate with a bachelor degree from Wichita State University to improve their chances of entering post-baccalaureate studies and ultimately attain a doctoral degree.