The McNair Early Entry Fellowship Program at Knox College enrolls a minimum of ten students per year. The program 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.

Who qualifies for the McNair Program?
The McNair Early Entry Fellowship Program is limited to Knox students who meet particular academic criteria; are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; and qualify as either a "first-generation college student" with a maximum income level established by the Department of Education; or are a member of a group that is considered underrepresented in higher education. To determine whether you qualify as "low income," click here or speak to the Financial Aid Office. For more information on eligibility, contact a member of the McNair Program staff at Knox.

What benefits and resources are available to current McNair Fellows?

• Providing assistance in finding faculty role models and mentors from Knox and other institutions to support research of interest to the Fellow.
• Enrollment in required 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 assistantships and internships to allow students to explore academic careers.
• Publication of selected student research in The McNair Journal of Multidisciplinary Research.
• Graduate fellowships at select universities nationwide.
• GRE fee waivers and graduate school application fee waivers (for selected schools).
• Detailed descriptions of tutorials, research and assistantship/ internship components are available.

What kind of research do McNair fellows do?
McNair fellows identify an area of interest and find a faculty mentor to work with on a project. For examples of research by McNair Fellows, please see the section on Publications.

How is the McNair Program Funded?
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. Learn more.

How do I apply?
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 SMAC 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.

Where can I request more information?
To get more information on the McNair Program or on becoming a McNair Fellow please see the contacts section.