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McNair Scholars, Tyler Chisholm (Neuroscience, Class of 2026) and Valerie Owusu-Hienno (Neuroscience, Class of 2026), participate in the McNair Seminar course in spring 2024.
The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, a federal TRIO program, is designed to prepare undergraduate students, particularly first-generation college students with financial need or from traditionally underrepresented groups, for doctoral studies. McNair provides essential support for students to prepare for and apply to graduate programs.
Through a combination of academic support, research opportunities, and individualized mentoring, the program aims to foster the development of scholars who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic and scientific communities throughout the U.S.
seminars and workshops offered
students served
Programming Areas
The TRIO McNair Scholars Program focuses on three key areas to support future graduate students:
- Seminars: Typical topics include the culture of graduate school, presenting and publishing research, and academic research writing.
- Workshops: To provide guidance on graduate school application processes, letters of recommendation, career paths, and finding the right program fit.
- Experiences with mentors: To strengthen student’s academic skills, foster faculty relationships, and conduct primary academic research.
The program’s advising and mentorship are focused on helping students navigate their coursework and extracurricular commitments effectively, reducing time-to-degree and increasing graduation rates.
Demographics
Of the students that engaged with TRIO McNair Scholars:
- 81 percent identify as a first-generation students;
- 65 percent indicated they are low-income;
- 65 percent identify as part of a group historically underrepresented in graduate education.
2024 Graduates
UO seniors who were McNair Scholars this year have been accepted to the following institutions for graduate studies:
More Highlights
McNair Scholar, Amya Bradley-Woods (Sociology and Psychology, Class of 24), presents her poster at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
McNair Scholar, Myrihe Rohbock (Neuroscience, Class of 24), presents her poster at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- In partnership with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, the program increased its scholarship pool to $125,000 for all 28 McNair Scholars, with some funds earmarked for students at risk of dropping out in their senior year due to financial aid loan limits.
- New “big buddy” format was implemented to pair incoming students with a peer mentor from an earlier McNair Scholars cohort, who serves as a key support as they navigate the program.
- Two McNair Scholars, seniors Myrihe Rohbock and Amya Bradley-Woods, received awards at the 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium for their projects: “Pain, Discrimination & Child Mental Health Among Black Families” and “Coping with Racialized Realities: Mental Well-Being of Black Portland Residents,” respectively.