McNair Scholars Program

The purpose of the McNair Scholars Program is to prepare, empower, and expose academically talented low-income, first generation, and underrepresented students toward pursuit of advanced graduate degrees.

APPLY

Our Purpose

One of eight federally funded TRIO Programs, the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program (the McNair Scholars Program) offers effective preparation for doctoral study to low-income, first-generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education. McNair Scholars participate in extensive undergraduate research internships in their field of interest. Currently, 152 McNair Programs are funded at colleges and universities across the United States.

For more application instructions, please view the Applicants page.

Program Highlights

Participate in a 10-week summer research internship program and receive a $3,500 stipend
Learn how to showcase your research and network at symposiums and conferences
Attend year-long graduate school preparation seminars
Free GRE or LSAT Exam Preparation Classes
Participate in graduate school visits, recruitment fairs, and social activities
Build relationships with diverse faculty, students, and alumni

Eligibility

Applicants Must:

Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have completed 60 college credits by May 31st
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (sophomore), 3.0 (junior)
Be a first generation college student, or a student who is defined as low-income by the U.S. Department of Education, or of a background that is underrepresented in graduate education.

Average Cumulative GPA for 2019 Scholars

UD McNair alumni are currently pursuing graduate degrees (since 2007)

Confirmed PhDs from UD McNair alumni

Jordan Spencer

Jordan Spencer (2018 and 2019 McNair Scholar) is named a Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) Scholar. RBSI is an annual five-week program at Duke University designed to expose undergraduate students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups to political science scholarship focused on issues affecting underrepresented groups. Jordan’s research focuses on Black descriptive representation.

Gloria Soto

Gloria Soto (2019 McNair Scholar) talks about her experiences and involvement at the University of Delaware as a student veteran.

Arif Peracha

Arif Peracha (2019 McNair Scholar) engaged in research in STAR (Science, Technology and Advanced Research) Campus, working in the Muscle and Tendon Performance Lab with Dr. Karin Silbernagel, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy.

Taurence Chisholm Jr.

Taurence Chisholm Jr. (2018 McNair Scholar) wins the Grossman Award, UD’s prestigious award honoring a senior for outstanding contributions to campus-wide co-curricular programs, as well as a high quality of leadership and organizational ability in helping plan and present programs. Taurence is currently pursuing a Master’s in Conflict Resolution at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Vanessa Santiago

Vanessa Santiago (2016 McNair Scholar) earns her Master’s of Science in Kinesiology and Health with a concentration in Health Promotion from Miami University Oxford, OH.

Rosymar Magana

Rosymar Magana (2016 McNair Scholar) earns her Master’s of Public Health from West Chester University.

Meet our Scholars

McNair Scholars are academically talented students. Our students come from different academic disciplines and are involved in various extra-curricular activities.

Current McNair Scholars

McNair Alumni

Featured Events

McNair Holiday Dinner & Longwood Gardens

Friday, December 6th

The McNair Program will be offering an opportunity for scholars to enjoy a holiday dinner and experience the Holiday Lights exhibition at Longwood Gardens. Current McNair Scholars can RSVP through the link sent by email!

National McNair Conference

March 12th-15th, 2020

The Annual National Conference for McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research will take place from March 12th-15th, 2020 at the University of Maryland. General Registration is now open!.

Contact Us

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Sujata Bhatia

Faculty Director

sbhatia@udel.edu

Dr. MeCherri Abedi-Anim

Program Coordinator

mecherri@udel.edu

McNair Staff

Nicole Mejia

Graduate Assistant

nmejia@udel.edu

Our Office

180 S. College Ave. Newark, DE 19716

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9-4 pm

Phone: 302-831-4396