McNair Scholars

Providing academic and research opportunities for first generation, low-income and underrepresented college sophomores and juniors

McNair Scholars

About McNair Scholars

The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded at 151 institutions across the United States which is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education.

At the University of Nevada, Reno, the McNair Scholars Program is federally funded at $243,878 annually.

Apply to McNair Scholars
Application now open. The priority deadline to apply is October 1st each year
McNair Scholars eligibility
Learn about eligibility requirements and see if you qualify for McNair Scholars
Benefits and services
Get information about how McNair Scholars can help you in pursuit of a graduate education
Program timeline
Learn about the typical timeline for a student starting in the fall of their junior year

McNair Scholars Program Mission Statement

The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to provide research opportunities and other related academic experiences that promote the acquisition of the doctoral degree (Ph.D.) for first generation, low-income, and underrepresented college sophomores and juniors in an effort to increase the number of underrepresented persons pursuing teaching, research and administrative careers in higher education.

McNair Core Values:

  • We are fierce advocates for social justice
  • We pursue professional excellence in the work we do with our students and our colleagues
  • We embrace integrity in our work with students, our work with the university, and our work with our funding agency
  • We are respectful of our diverse student population, their needs, and their cultural heritage
  • We are resilient, determined, and focused on achieving our mission
  • We do more with less through collaboration and pooled strengths
  • We realize that the success of each student is shared across the campus
  • We are awed by the potential of our students to change to world

Diversity, equity and inclusion statement for the First-Generation Student Center

Federally funded TRIO programs supporting the academic success of first-generation and income-qualified students originate from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s unconditional war on poverty legislation. All programs administered by the First-Generation Student Center at the University of Nevada, Reno actively support a diverse and inclusive campus culture. We acknowledge that diversity in all of its forms makes for a stronger and healthier University.