First-generation college students from low-income backgrounds or students from underrepresented groups interested in performing research in science or engineering may be able to become a McNair Scholar.
Ronald E. McNair was among the USS Challenger Space Shuttle's seven-member crew that met with tragedy and death in January 1986. As a tribute to his lifelong achievements, Congress and the McNair family formed the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program to assist young people in not only following McNair's path, but in taking the initiative to blaze trails of their own.
The Chosen Few
Throughout the United States, approximately 180 schools have been chosen by Congress to host a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program. Only colleges and universities that have an outstanding record of research are considered for the Federal TRIO Grant, which provides operating monies. Participating in the program allows students firsthand experience in cutting-edge, graduate-level research at a nationally recognized facility. Faculty members who partake as mentors are equally dedicated to their teaching and their research.
The prestige of being a Clarkson McNair Scholar is shared by only 20 students each year. Clarkson, as a McNair Program host, stands among U.C. Berkley, Notre Dame, Rutgers, Purdue, Texas A.&M., and Howard University, to name a few. Clarkson's research for McNair Scholars focuses on engineering or science; other schools offer a variety of options.
Funds are available for student travel to conferences hosted by other McNair programs, academic societies or others. In addition, McNair can help arrange graduate school visits and offset the costs involved.
As a McNair Scholar, you will
- be matched with a Clarkson University faculty member whose research interests closely resemble yours
- participate in a 10-week, in-residence summer research program
- receive a stipend plus room and board for the summer internship period
- be provided with assistance to refine your goals, create a plan of action to achieve them and identify which graduate schools offer the best match for you
- attend regular seminars and workshops on, among other topics, ethics, negotiating the graduate school application process, types of financial assistance available and preparation for the Graduate Record Exams (GREs)
- participate during the academic year in professional conferences, graduate fairs or similar scholarly activities
- utilize Clarkson University's extensive research and computing facilities
- interact in informal, non-research settings with successful role models who have earned post-baccalaureate degrees
- receive personal support as you pursue your post-baccalaureate dreams
The McNair Scholars Program provides more than a summer internship experience. The possibility exists for you to
- write and submit a research paper for publication in a professional journal or for presentation at a professional conference
- receive additional stipend support for continuing senior year research
- attend a national professional conference with your mentor
- apply to graduate programs of your choice
- make contacts with faculty members at graduate institutions of interest to you
- receive ongoing support from mentors and program staff dedicated to ensuring student success
Seminars and Commitment
In addition to pursuing research projects, all McNair Scholars participate in seminars and workshops that are of practical use in preparing for the future. These deal with professional issues, such as research ethics, and with the process of gaining admission to graduate school, including preparation for your GREs. The program also provides fee waivers for the GRE and for graduate school applications. Nationally, McNair Scholars are becoming a group that is highly recruited by graduate programs. Visit the list of institutions offering graduate school application fee waivers and other application incentives for McNair Scholars. This list is frequently updated with information regarding the variety of McNair fellowships available for graduate study, so be sure to return frequently to this site.
Throughout the McNair Program, several seminars are scheduled. These seminars are appropriately chosen to enhance the learning experience associated with research and to give a better perspective of the graduate school application process and experience. Not only are they scheduled for the summer session, but throughout the academic year as well. By accepting the role of a McNair Scholar, you are also committing time outside the research lab. Every attempt is made to plan additional activities at a time which is convenient to all participants. Funding for the program in subsequent years is dependent upon participation at such events, as it is a reflection of Scholar interest and the effectiveness of the staff.
It's not all work
Field trips to northern New York and nearby Canadian attractions are an entertaining break from everyday research. Past trips have included whitewater rafting and trips to places such as Burlington, Vt.; the Adirondacks; Ottawa and Montreal.
McNair Application Requirements
- strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree
- sophomore or junior undergraduate in a science or engineering discipline at the time of application
- matriculated student pursuing a baccalaureate degree at an institution of higher education
- cumulative grade-point average of 2.8 or higher
- U.S citizen or permanent U.S. resident or in the U.S for other than a temporary purpose (must provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of intent to become a permanent resident)
- first-generation college student from a low-income background or underrepresented group (African American, Native American, Hispanic American)
- live in Potsdam, N.Y., for the duration of the summer program and submit a complete application packet postmarked by the deadline date
Application Materials
The application can be submitted as a hard copy OR online as a Google Doc. You only need to submit your application in one format.
Please identify two faculty who can submit a recommendation form for you. This can be done as a hard copy or online.
Please check that you have completed your application by using this checklist - Application Checklist
For more information, contact
Clarkson McNair Scholars
PO Box 5513
Potsdam, New York 13699
Phone: 315-268-3915
Fax: 315-268-6552
E-mail: dgshipp@clarkson.edu