The Office of Federal TRIO and Wayne State University McNair Scholars Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program have successfully competed to win a five year, $1,125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to prepare low-income, first-generation or traditionally underrepresented students in higher education for doctoral studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields through intensive involvement in faculty-led research experiences and other scholarly activities.

Another objective of the grant is to encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of doctoral degrees in STEM fields. The program will serve 30 junior and senior level students per year.

The McNair Scholars Program academic year component consists of an intensive career-building program that includes a seminar series focused on research skills, GRE preparation, and the student-faculty mentor relationship. Participants are prepared for the scholarly expectations and research skills they will need when pursuing a doctoral degree. In addition, participants will develop the self-confidence necessary for success in competitive graduate programs.

The undergraduate research component pairs McNair Scholars with STEM faculty in similar fields. Students work closely with faculty members to conduct research, analyze data and write up results. Students culminate their summer research experience by publishing the results of their work in the McNair Scholars Journal, and presenting research results at McNair research conferences and other scholarly venues held throughout the United States.

For more information, contact Henry Robinson at 313-577-5050 or hlrobinson@wayne.edu.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.