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Program Overview

Named for fallen Challenger astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair, funded by the U.S. Department of Education/TRiO Programs, and one of 179 programs at universities throughout the country, the Ronald E. McNair Post - Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Prescott, Arizona in 1999.

The primary goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to provide experiences that prepare selected undergraduate students for doctoral study.  The overriding goal of the McNair programs is to increase the number of underrepresented students who will obtain doctoral degrees and go on to teach and/or do research in institutions of higher learning.

A major component of the program is the relationship developed between participants and their designated faculty mentors.  Working together, mentors and office staff help to motivate and to ensure that participants:

  • Successfully complete their undergraduate degree,
  • Receive guidance in finding sources of financial support,
  • Successfully select graduate schools and degree programs, and
  • Acquire skills needed for successful admission and completion of their Ph.D. degrees.

Program Components

To ensure continued academic success, McNair Scholars participate in four program components:

  • Seminars and workshops designed to expand skills and learning abilities; to establish academic goals; and enhance personal, social, intellectual, and career development.
  • A research methodology/statistics class that introduces students to research concepts and techniques used in major research projects.
  • Research internship experiences (with a $2800 stipend) that result in a presentation at a conference and a publishable paper.
  • Assistance with the graduate school application process, including selecting an institution, obtaining financial assistance information, preparing for graduate admissions exams, writing a personal statement and submitting applications.

Faculty Mentors

ERAU McNair Faculty Mentors are distinguished researchers within their respective academic fields who are encouraged to meet with their scholars regularly, to work closely with them to accomplish the goals of the program.

Program Requirements

Participants are expected to take full advantage of all McNair Program activities, including workshops, seminars, research projects and regular meetings with mentors and staff.  They also need to maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA during each semester of their participation in the program.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 57 credits completed
  • Cumulative GPA 2.75
  • Low income and first generation college student (neither parent completed a bachelor's degree) or a member of a group under-represented (Hispanic, African American, Native American, Pacific Islander) in Graduate studies.
  • US citizen or permanent resident (or in the process)

Application Process Documents

To be considered, applicants must submit the following documents to the McNair Scholars Program Office:

  • Application form
  • 500 Word Essay
  • Copy of current ERAU transcript
  • Copy of transcripts from schools previously attended
  • Three letters of recommendation from faculty members

Applicants will be invited to interview with the McNair Scholars Program Staff.  Selections will be made by the staff in consultation with McNair Faculty Mentors who are in the student's academic field of study.

To learn more about this important program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, continue through the website via link at the upper left side of the page, and/or contact Olga Diaz at (928) 777-6935 or email her. Or, use our convenient online inquiry form.

McNair Scholars, April 2008

Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly you want them. You're eagles! Stretch your wings and fly to the sky. -Dr. Ronald E. McNair, Challenger Astronaut and Physicist