McNair Scholars Program

The UNCG-McNair Scholars Program (UNCG-McNair) is a federal TRiO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Designed to prepare undergraduate students for the pursuit of a Ph.D., UNCG-McNair provides 25 UNCG undergraduate students with opportunities to complete research with faculty mentors, attend the UNCG-McNair Summer Research Institute, explore graduate school options, and prepare for graduate-level studies. Ultimately, the goal of UNCG-McNair – and all Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Programs – is to diversify faculty demographics across the nation by providing experience and training to students typically under-represented in the academy.

Make an Appointment!

Please email or use the links below to schedule virtual or phone appointments with the McNair Staff:

  • uncgrem@uncg.edu

Benefits of the Program

  • Mentoring from faculty and staff for graduate school preparation
  • Financial planning for graduate school success
  • Professional and academic conferences
  • An empowering and supportive community
  • Research opportunities
  • Research presentation experience
  • Graduate school preparation
  • Summer Research Internships including stipends

Eligibility Requirements


To qualify for UNCG-McNair, you must:

  • be a first-generation college student [parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a 4-year college degree] AND come from a modest or low-income family (based on Dept. of Education’s Income Guidelines).
  • OR, be a member of a group this is traditionally under-represented in graduate studies (African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native/American Indian, or Pacific Islander).

In addition, UNCG-McNair candidates must also:

  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student at UNCG, have completed at least 30-60 credit hours (Sophomore or Junior Classification), and have an anticipated graduation date of December 2023 or later.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Questions? Email mcnair.scholars@uncg.edu