McNair Scholars Program | Access and Success
The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded effort to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue graduate study. The program is named after Ronald E. McNair, an African-American physicist and NASA astronaut who died in the Challenger explosion in 1986. By encouraging and supporting students through their undergraduate studies and transition to graduate school, the ultimate goal is to increase faculty diversity in colleges and universities.
Westminster College hosts the first and only McNair Scholars Program in Utah, which serves students from Westminster, Salt Lake Community College, and the College of Southern Idaho. McNair scholars receive GRE test preparation, mentoring, peer support and group activities, and individualized guidance in selecting and applying to graduate schools. They also participate in an eight-week, faculty-mentored summer research experience and present their research at professional conferences.
A gift to the McNair Scholars program helps underrepresented students to continue in their academic careers and ultimately increase faculty diversity at schools across the country.