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Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

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Reach for the Stars, Prepare for a Ph.D.

The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded TRIO program supported by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies by providing research opportunities and other scholarly activities. Through a comprehensive range of services—including undergraduate research, faculty mentorship, workshops, seminars, and graduate school preparation—the program fosters an engaging and supportive environment aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students earning graduate degrees. 

McNair Application
Ronald E. McNair NASA portrait

Named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the program pays tribute to his remarkable legacy. Dr. McNair was one of seven crew members aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger and a trailblazer in his field. Overcoming social and economic barriers, he earned a Ph.D. in Physics from M.I.T. at just 26 years old and became the second African American to fly in space. His outstanding achievements were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the National Ford Foundation Fellowship and the Presidential Scholarship.

McNair Scholars Award Ceremony Photo

Eligibility

To be eligible, McNair Scholars must be first-generation AND income-eligible OR be a member of a group traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (African-American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander). In addition, scholars must also:

 

  • Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Johnson C. Smith University
  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a desire to attain a Ph.D.

 

*Students with a GPA below a 3.0 may apply for the program but should explain how they will increase their GPA to be competitive for graduate admissions.

Group Shot of McNair Scholars in STEM building

Program Benefits and Services

 

Research

  • Free courses and seminars to enhance research and writing skills
  • Collaboration with faculty mentors to conduct research
  • Travel to present research at local, regional, and national conferences
  • Stipends for developing research
Student showing off research

 

Graduate School Preparation

  • Assistance with graduate admissions
  • Resources for GRE Preparation
  • Graduate School Visits
  • Assistance with finding funding for graduate study
Student at passing the baton ceremony

 

Support

  • Individualized academic and personal support
  • Faculty Mentorship
  • Paid summer research experience or internship
  • Peer support, mentorship, tutoring, and academic counseling

Program Accomplishments

  • In 2024, 100% of graduating McNair Scholars were accepted into graduate school.
  • Our McNair alumni have enrolled in graduate programs at esteemed institutions such as American University, Case Western Reserve University, Howard University, North Carolina State University, New York University, North Carolina A&T State University, Temple University, University of Southern California, and University of Washington.

Contact Us

McNair Scholars Program
100 Beatties Ford Road
Perry Hall, Room 304
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.378.1194
Mcnair@jcsu.edu

 

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