The McNair Scholars program at NDSU received notice it will remain funded by the U.S. Department of Education for the next five years. The latest round of funding is effective Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2017.
Named after Challenger space crewmember Ronald E. McNair, the NDSU program is one of the original 14 programs in the nation. The Office of TRIO Programs in the Division of Student Affairs administers the program, which can provide up to 29 scholars with a $2,800 stipend per year. The total five-year funding is approximately $1.27 million, according to Anna Sheppard, TRIO McNair Scholars program interim director at NDSU.
“Our dedicated students strive to meet the goal of a doctoral degree,” Sheppard said. “We have strong administrative support as well as faculty and library mentors who donate their time and expertise.”
The McNair Scholars program at NDSU encourages applications from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, including minorities or income-eligible and first-generation students. The new funding opportunities will be expanded to students with disabilities and women pursuing a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM.
Students chosen for the program have the opportunity to engage in graduate-level research under the guidance of NDSU faculty and library mentors. McNair Scholars are NDSU undergraduates who demonstrate strong academic potential and show an interest in research. In addition to a monthly stipend and an opportunity to attend conferences related to their studies, the scholars are provided educational and support services to assist them in preparing for an advanced degree.
For more information on the McNair Scholars program at NDSU, visit www.ndsu.edu/trio/mcnair_scholars_program or contact Sheppard at 231-7312 or anna.sheppard@ndsu.edu.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation’s top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.