Ronald E. McNair Program

The Ronald E. McNair Program supports and encourages first-generation college students and members of underrepresented groups in higher education in the pursuit of academic careers.

The McNair Early Entry Fellowship Program at Knox College enrolls a minimum of ten students per year. It selects students in their first year at Knox-before they have made firm career choices-and works with them through their senior year of college. The program prepares and encourages them to pursue post-baccalaureate education, with the ultimate goal of encouraging an increased number of these students to choose academic careers.

The McNair Early Entry Fellowship Program is limited to Knox students who meet particular criteria; are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; and qualify as either a "first-generation college student" or are a member of a group that is considered underrepresented in higher education.
Contact McNair staff about eligibility

The program provides the following benefits and resources to program fellows:

• Assist in finding faculty role models and mentors from Knox and other institutions to support research of interest to the Fellow.
• Enrollment in McNair Tutorials featuring enriched academic preparation, research skill development, intensive career education and graduate school process familiarization.
• Provide funding for substantive summer research following the sophomore and junior years with a faculty research mentor.
• Help in finding assistant-ships and internships to allow students to explore academic careers.
• Publish selected student research in The McNair Journal of Multidisciplinary Research.
• Graduate fellowships at select universities nationwide.
• Offers GRE fee waivers and graduate school application fee waivers (for selected schools).

The McNair Early Entry Fellowship Program is funded by the United States Department of Education. It is a part of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program and a part of the TRIO programs.

Applying to the McNair Program
The McNair Program selects new Fellows annually at the end of winter term. If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation to attend the McNair Informational Session held winter term. Applications will be available at this session. You may also pick up applications in the McNair Program offices located in SMC D-207. The application lists the due date for all application materials to be received. Once all applications are received, interviews are conducted and decisions are mailed out during spring break.
Contact the McNair Program staff