What is the McNair Scholars Program?
The SIUC McNair Scholars Program provides enriching educational experiences for low-income, first-generation college students and members of underserved groups in higher education. Through a strong mentoring network, the program sponsors educational and professional development activities that lay the foundation for stellar research and academic skills. We promote academic excellence, success in graduate school, and achievement of a PhD. The program serves 26 participants every year.
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What are the benefits?
McNair Scholars Program provides:
- Individualized academic and personal support from McNair staff.
- Conduct original research, including conducting a summer research project with a stipend.
- Present research at the McNair Scholars Research Symposium.
- A chance to publish in the SIUC McNair Scholar’s Journal.
- Mentoring from faculty, graduate students and peers.
- Opportunities to participate in research conferences and visit graduate schools.
- Assistance in locating and applying to graduate schools.
- Workshops on the graduate school application process, financial aid, scholarships and fellowships, and the culture of graduate school.
- GRE preparation software and tutoring.
- Access to academic coaching/ tutoring.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible to apply if you are
- Interested in pursuing a doctoral degree after receiving your bachelor’s degree.
- From a low-income family where neither of your parents have earned a bachelor’s degree or from a group traditionally underrepresented in doctoral programs.
- Considered a sophomore or junior with at least 2.7 grade point average (3.0 recommended) .
- A U.S. Citizen or permanent resident;
If selected, what is expected of me?
McNair Scholars are required to:
- Attend all scheduled events and workshops.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Maintain regular contact with McNair Scholars Program staff and faculty mentor.
- Conduct research full-time during one and complete at least one research project.
- Participate in all required activities during the eight-week Summer Research Institute, including weekly meetings, GRE sessions, final paper and presentation.
- Present research at a professional conference (McNair or in your discipline) and/or publish a research paper, either in our annual SIUC McNair Scholars Journal or in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Present a poster at the SIUC Undergraduate Research Forum.
- Complete an undergraduate degree program.
- Apply to at least three graduate degree programs prior to earning a Bachelor’s degree.
- Notify McNair staff of all graduate school acceptances, rejections, and financial packages.
- Maintain contact with McNair staff after graduating from SIUC
What is the application process?
- Submit completed application and required materials by the deadline.
- Selection committee will review applicant information and make recommendations.
- Interviews will be conducted with qualifying applicants.
Contact Information:
McNair Scholars Program
http://mcnair.siuc.edu
Woody Hall B145 - Mail Code 4719
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
900 S. Normal Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
voice: 618.453.4581
fax: 618.453.4596
email: rseymour@siu.edu