McNair Scholars Program

 

Our Mission

The McNair Scholars Program is a two-year program that prepares first-generation and low-income and/or underserved undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair provides a series of workshops on the research process, culminating in an eight-week research summer program. Scholars work with their Faculty Mentors to complete a research project that simulates graduate-school-level work.

The program also prepares participants for applying to graduate school through a series of workshops on the GRE, writing a personal statement and CV, funding and navigating graduate school culture. McNair provides research funding and travel funding for conferences and graduate school visits. Additionally, scholars receive GRE fee reductions and graduate school application waivers for more than 200 schools nationwide.

The McNair Explorers Program is a year-long exploratory program for first- and second-year first-generation students. It introduces them to undergraduate research, leadership opportunities and graduate school resources while preparing them to apply to the McNair Scholars Program and other undergraduate programs and opportunities at Texas Tech.

Our Vision

The McNair Scholars Program seeks to prepare and empower students, specifically first-generation, low-income, and underserved undergraduate student populations to achieve a higher-level education. Cultivating an environment that fosters strong mentoring relationships as well as providing workshops and graduate school prep sessions allows students to succeed and earn their Ph.D.s in the discipline of their choosing.

Student Eligibility Requirements

Highly motivated and disciplined rising juniors who are:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• First-generation AND low-income and/or historically underserved students in graduate education
• In good academic standing (3.0+ GPA desired)
• Any major
• Desiring to pursue graduate studies, especially at the Ph.D. Level

Apply to the McNair Scholars Program

 

Faculty Mentors

Faculty mentoring is one of the most critical aspects of the McNair Scholars Program. Mentors are asked to commit their time, share knowledge and insight, and guide McNair Scholars through the research process and the completion of a research project. Mentors are also asked to provide full support to McNair Scholars for the duration of their undergraduate career by introducing respective fields and professional networks, assisting with the graduate school process, and empowering and instilling confidence within their endeavors.

Interested in applying to be a faculty mentor?

Start Mentor Application

 

For additional information, please contact:

LaTricia Phillips, Ph.D.
Director
latricia.phillips@ttu.edu