McNair HBCU Scholars Program
Preparing students from Mississippi's HBCU community for graduate study and the doctoral journey — through research, mentorship, and scholarly engagement. Federally funded. Established 1986.
A federally funded TRIO program preparing scholars for graduate study
The McNair HBCU Scholars Program, officially known as the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program, is a federally funded TRIO program. The program prepares students for graduate study through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
This program was established in 1986 and named in honor of Challenger space shuttle astronaut Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D. It is underwritten by the U. S. Department of Education.
The goal of the McNair HBCU Scholars Program is to increase the attainment of graduate degrees by talented students from historically underrepresented segments of society in all disciplines. Program participants are either first-generation college students who meet the financial eligibility requirements, or members of underrepresented groups in graduate-level education.
- Program
- McNair HBCU Scholars Program
- Official Name
- Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program
- Type
- Federal TRIO Program
- Established
- 1986
- Funded By
- U.S. Department of Education
- Partner HBCUs
- 4 (Alcorn State, MVSU, Tougaloo, Rust)
- Phone
- (601) 979-6348
- mcnairhbcu@jsums.org
Honoring Dr. Ronald E. McNair
Dr. Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D.
Challenger Space Shuttle Astronaut
The McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program stands as an enduring tribute to Dr. Ronald E. McNair, whose legacy of scholarly excellence and pioneering achievement inspires generations of students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue advanced study and contribute to American scholarship.
Four Mississippi HBCUs served by the program
The McNair HBCU Scholars Program is hosted at Jackson State University and serves students from four Mississippi HBCU partner institutions:
Seven benefits for McNair Scholars
McNair HBCU Scholars receive comprehensive support to prepare for graduate study and the doctoral path:
Research Stipend Travel Support
(only for research and conference attendance)
Summer Housing
(only for involvement in on-site active research internship)
Graduate School Preparation, Seminars, and Tours
Faculty Mentor Guidance
Research Internships
Professional Development
Networking Opportunities
Who qualifies as a McNair HBCU Scholar?
A participant must meet one of the following primary criteria:
A first-generation college student AND financially qualified as defined by the U. S. Department of Education.
From an underrepresented group in graduate education, including: African American, Hispanic-Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian.
All participants must also meet ALL of the following:
A current student at Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College, or Rust College.
Completed a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
U.S. citizen or permanent legal U.S. resident.
Aspire to pursue a research doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in the field of choice.
As a McNair HBCU Scholar, you will
McNair HBCU Scholars are expected to actively engage with the program and maintain the following commitments:
Engage in all scholarly workshops, seminars, and research opportunities.
Utilize individual support services as necessary.
Maintain a full-time course load during each academic year.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Develop a portfolio to include a curriculum vitae, personal statement, electronic research presentation, and examples of research and scholarly activity.
Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Apply to graduate programs.
Take the next step — Apply Today!
Begin your application to the McNair HBCU Scholars Program and join a tradition of HBCU scholars pursuing graduate study.
Contact the McNair HBCU Scholars Program
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217