“We are proud of the fact that 78% of this year’s cohort are first-generation college students,” said Pamela Comer, director of McNair Scholars. “The number of first-gen students at Lamar University last year was 53%, so we are pleased that our collective efforts as a university to serve more first-gen students are having a positive impact on the McNair Scholars program.”
According to Comer, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a federally funded program that provides first-generation, low-income, minority college students with paid internships and mentoring to prepare for enrollment in graduate programs.
The program offers college juniors and seniors opportunities to conduct research and publish or present their findings and lends assistance in applying to graduate school. Benefits include a stipend of up to $2,800 to work with a McNair Research faculty member during the summer.
“What makes the McNair Scholars program so special to Lamar is that it provides enhancement workshops, summer internship opportunities, a mentoring program and a supportive atmosphere that prepares promising undergraduates with the knowledge necessary to achieve and obtain a terminal degree,” Comer said.
In order to be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be defined as low income by the U.S. Department of Education and a first-generation college student or a member of an underrepresented group in graduate education (Black-non-Hispanic, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native);
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average, be enrolled full-time and in good standing with the university;
- Have a minimum of 45 credit hours;
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident/citizen of U.S. protectorates; and
- Desire to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation.
To learn more about the Lamar University McNair Scholars program or
to apply, visit
www.lamar.edu/mcnair.