McNair Scholars Program information, application session scheduled Oct. 12

Are you a current St. Thomas sophomore or junior planning to pursue graduate study immediately after undergraduate? Do you have an interest in conducting research with a faculty member who shares similar interests or who can help shape your research agenda in a meaningful way? Are you interested in learning about the graduate school process and reaping the benefits of a dynamic summer research opportunity earning (a $2,500 merit stipend) while learning? Would you like to present your research at a national conference, receive financial assistance toward graduate school travel, prepare for the GRE and connect to a rich network of top-ranked graduate programs that will recognize you as being a McNair Scholar?

If your answer is yes, then the McNair Scholars Program may be a good match for you!

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is designed to encourage first-generation college students from limited income means and students from groups historically underrepresented in higher education to pursue doctoral study. The program provides a multitude of supports and services such as a summer research program, faculty mentorship, seminars and workshops, cultural excursions and professional development activities, extensive GRE test preparation, and academic and career development support to prepare eligible undergraduate students for a successful transition into some of the best graduate schools and programs across the United States.

We will host our first open information session from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12,  in Murray-Herrick Campus Center, Room 154. This is an important opportunity to meet McNair staff and current scholars, learn about the program and application/selection process in detail, and find out firsthand how and where McNair graduates are being accepted into top internships as well as graduate school programs.

Applications and recommendation forms are available online. The priority deadline is Saturday, Oct. 31, and the final deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 1. Students should complete the online application form, print, sign and deliver it to the McNair Scholars Office, Room 414D, Loras Hall, with all required supplemental documents.

We recommend you R.S.V.P. to Mcnairscholars@stthomas.edu or call Cynthia Fraction, assistant director, (651) 962-5960. For more information about this program visit our Web site.