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

McNair Graduate School Chat and Chew
Tuesday, February 11th
The McNair Program will offer a program to talk about the graduate school process. This event will feature Brandon Vance, McNair Scholar from Iowa State University, who is currently a PhD student here at UD. No matter where you are in the graduate school process, this is a great opportunity to answer any questions you may have!

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!

Regional Undergraduate Student Research Conference
April 4th, 2020
The annual Regional Undergraduate Student Research Conference consortium invites submissions of
proposals/abstracts to its 10th annual interdisciplinary conference to be held at the University of Delaware. The focus
of this year’s theme allows presenters to consider the myriad of ways in which climate change and changing climates are
impacting Earth and influencing research and development, activism, and the decisions being made by those concerned
(or lack thereof) about the planet’s physical, philosophical, and political future.

University of MS Diversifying Psychology Visit Day
April 24, 2020
The UM Psychology Department invites underrepresented students to spend a day networking with faculty and graduate students and learning about ongoing research projects in the department. The event will showcase the values and strengths of UM’s doctoral programs in clinical and experimental psychology while also providing an inside scoop on the graduate student experience. A limited number of travel and housing awards are available.

Pacific Northwest McNair Scholars Conference
May 14-15th, 2020
A conference in Seattle, WA for TRIO students interested in research and graduate study.

UWM Graduate Diversity & Inclusion McNair Visit Day
June 26th, 2020
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee will host its annual UWM Graduate Diversity & Inclusion McNair Visit
Day. McNair scholars are encouraged to meet with faculty and staff in their desired program area to discuss interests, ask questions, and learn about the program(s).There will also be staff-led tours of the UWM campus and a presentation about the process of applying for admission to graduate programs. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served, followed by the opportunity to take a Specialty Tour to see several other popular spots on campus.
Contact Us
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Rosalie Rolon Dow
Faculty Director
rosa@udel.edu
Dr. Lauren Barsky
Interim Program Director
lbarsky@udel.edu
Sophia Vilceus
Graduate Assistant
svilceus@udel.edu
Our Office
180 S. College Ave. Newark, DE 19716
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9-4 pm
Phone: 302-831-4396