Fostering preparation for the pursuit of graduate studies!
The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a scholarly enrichment and graduate school preparation project, sponsored by the United States Department of Education. The McNair Scholars Program was established at Rider University in 2007 and today is among 151 projects funded at institutions across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
McNair Scholars are academically talented students in STEM and other disciplines at Rider who wish to pursue graduate studies with the intent to earn a doctoral degree. The comprehensive program fosters participant preparation for graduate school enrollment through research training, mentoring, instruction and other scholarly activity. Overall, the McNair Scholars Programs aims to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by primarily first-generation students and individuals from underrepresented segments of society.
Program Services & Benefits
- Engagement in research or internship under faculty supervision
- Summer research stipend awarded up to $2,800
- Sponsored attendance to scholarly conferences
- Funding for graduate school visitations and application interviews
- GRE prep-course and test fee reduction voucher
- Instruction and support with the graduate application process
- Graduate application fee waivers at participating institutions
- High-impact engaged learning experience
- Academic support, personal & professional development
- Cultural engagement, etiquette coaching
Member Expectations
- Participate in the McNair Scholars Summer Research Program, external REU, and/or internship
- Produce a formal research summary and present findings via oral or poster presentation
- Complete the graduate school application process, to include taking the GRE
- Participate in all activities sponsored or encouraged by the McNair Program – lectures/conferences
- Maintain regular communication and contact with the McNair Program staff and faculty mentor/advisor
Eligibility
- Meet first-generation and income requirements or be a member of an underrepresented group in graduate education
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Hold sophomore or junior status (under special circumstances, senior applicants will be considered)
- Major in a STEM discipline to include psychology or other major encompassing research
- Endeavor to enroll in graduate school by the fall following graduation from Rider
- Have a sincere desire to attain a doctoral degree
How to Apply
Applications to the McNair Scholars Program are accepted on a rolling basis. The applicant review and interview process occur primarily in January and February. Interested students can download and complete the fillable form below or acquire a copy during office hours. For processing purposes and acceptance into the program, completed applications must be accompanied by the parent’s/guardian’s IRS 1040 tax form (or that of the student, if he or she is independent).
Location
Rider University
Joseph P. Vona Center, Rooms 15 & 16
Phone: (609)-895-5614
Fax: (609)-895-5507