2019-2020 Cohort of McNair Scholars

The 2021 McNair Cohort application is now open until March 1st or all slots are filled. Please go to the Application Information Page for more information and to apply to the program. 

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program prepares qualified undergraduates for graduate school entry, with the primary goal of increasing the attainment of the Ph.D. Our Scholars are represented by students from underrepresented segments of society. The McNair Program supports graduate school bound Scholars by focusing on three areas: academic research, graduate school preparation, and personal and professional development.

Benefits of Becoming a McNair Scholar at Iowa State...

You will connect. McNair Scholars develop personal and professional connections while working with peers, faculty and graduate student mentors, and presenting at national and local research conferences.

You will discover. McNair Scholars gain valuable experience through coursework in scientific research methods, faculty-mentored projects and research in their discipline, visits to graduate schools, and other scholarly opportunities.

You will grow. McNair Scholars are exposed to various aspects of the graduate school culture and community helping to develop and strengthen their graduate student identities.

Connect, Discover, Grow with McNair