Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

The goal of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is to increase the attainment of the Ph.D. by students from under-represented groups, with priority given to students pursuing a STEM field.  Named for Ronald E. McNair, who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion, the program was launched federally in 1989 and exists at 200 colleges and universities across the country.

The St. Lawrence McNair Scholars Program encourages the post-baccalaureate pursuit of doctoral study by involving students in multiple research-intensive experiences and providing extensive advising by faculty mentors. In addition, McNair Scholars receive grant-funded stipends to conduct undergraduate research, participate in opportunities to visit graduate schools, attend professional conferences, and focus on preparing for the graduate school application process.

The McNair Scholars Program is a highly competitive program open to students meeting federally published economic criteria, who are first-generation college students, and/or from groups considered under-represented in doctoral programs. Applicants must be enrolled in their sophomore or junior year and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80.

Applications are accepted each year on a rolling-basis until available openings are filled.  Potential scholars are encouraged to meet with a member of the McNair staff early in their undergraduate studies to explore their fit for this prestigious academic program.