About Us

A Family of Learning:  The McNair Scholars Program at UMBC

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program provides experiences that prepare students for graduate education.  The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare first-generation and low-income students, and members of groups who are underrepresented in graduate education for doctoral studies in all disciplines.  The program involves students in research, mentoring, and other scholarly activities.   McNair participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated  strong academic potential. 

The McNair Program is one of 179 federally funded programs at institutions across the United Sates and Puerto Rico.  The goal of the Program is to increase graduate degree attainment of students who are underrepresented in graduate education.

UMBC students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA

U.S. citizen or permanent resident

At least Sophomore standing

First-generation and low-income college student

or

Member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education

The UMBC McNair Scholars Program is funded with a $224,227 grant from the U.S. Department of Education (60%) and with $139,953 (40%) in contributions from non-federal sources.

Scholarship ... Community ... Empowerment ... Legacy ... Vision ... Excellence