McNair Scholars Program

Honoring the Legacy of Ronald E. McNair The McNair Scholars Program prepares qualified undergraduates for entrance to graduate programs in all fields of study. The goals of McNair are to increase the number of first-generation, low-income and/or underrepresented students in Ph.D. programs, ultimately diversifying academia, government, and industry, among other fields. To do so, scholars have the opportunities to participate in academic year and summer research activities; attend courses, seminars and workshops on topics related to graduate school preparation; complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor; and present their research at local, regional and national conferences. The McNair Scholars Program was established in memory of physicist and Challenger Astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair. It is one of several TRIO programs funded by the Department of Education supporting the academic achievement of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The UCSB McNair Scholars Program is funded by a 5- year grant from the U.S. Department of Education with additional support by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the deans of the College of Letters and Sciences and the College of Engineering.