Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

The University of Wisconsin – Madison Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is an academic excellence opportunity for undergraduate students with aspiration and strong academic potential for advancing toward doctoral (Ph.D.) study upon completing the bachelor’s degree. The program creates a bridge between undergraduate and graduate education through academic, research, and scholarly experiences. Students selected for the McNair Scholars Program join a supportive community of peers, faculty, staff, and alumni. The McNair Scholars Program is housed in the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA)

Additional Opportunity for Fall 2022: This year, we are excited to continue the McNair-CHM Scholars Program. This dual program between The DDEEA/McNair Scholars Program and the Center for Healthy Minds (CHM). The CHM’s mission is to cultivate well-being and relieve suffering through a scientific understanding of the mind. The Center draws from an understanding of neural and psychological processes, ancient wisdom and contemplative practice to understand the mind in four areas of focus—Mind, Brain, and Emotion; Well-being in Adults; Well-being in Infants and Children; and Learning Well-being. ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY!

Eligibility: UW Madison undergraduate students must meet either criterion (1) OR (2). All students must meet criteria (3) and (4). *
1) First-generation college student as well as a low-income student
2) Member of traditionally underrepresented groups
in graduate education: African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian (*according to federal guidelines, Asian American, including Southeast Asian American are eligible under criterion 1).
3) A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.9 and 45 earned college credits.
4) US citizen or permanent resident.

*Preference will be given to applicants who meet criteria #1 and can participate in the program for a minimum of 12 full months (full academic year, including the summer before graduation). However, all eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply.

The McNair Staff are hosting two informational sessions for interested students:
1. In-person session: September 13th at 12 PM, in the BCC Classroom at the MSC/Red Gym
2. Virtual session: September 19th at 5 PM, Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99418659731

ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY!

Application Checklist (Due October 1st, 2022)
Submitted through WiSH Portal:

  • Completed Application
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (at least one letter must be from a Professor)
  • Personal Statement: Please provide a personal statement (no more than 1000 words). Please consider these guidelines as you are writing this statement:
    1. Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D.?
    2. What are your short and long-term career goals?
    3. How can the McNair Scholars Program assist you in attaining those goals?
    4. Describe a personal example that shows your persistence and commitment to academic endeavors.
    5. What specific research area interests you the most? Discuss any current research or a possible research topic and mentor/professor with whom you would like to work.
    6. McNair-CHM Applicants Only: If not addressed above, how do your research interests specifically align with the current mission of the CHM? Please, discuss any current or possible research topic(s) and which CHM-affiliated faculty or scientist(s) with whom you would like to work.

Note, we will require all interviewees to submit the following documentation (Both 1 and 2) to the McNair Staff following their interview. These documents MUST be hand-signed; no electronic signatures. Applicants can hand in or mail verification forms to the McNair Office at 408 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706
1. The First-Generation College Status Form (Found Here)
2. The Verification of Income Form (Found Here)
a. Both Dependent and Independent Forms are available. Note, for the McNair Scholars Program, all students under the age of 24 are Dependents, regardless of their financial aid status.
b. The form must indicate the taxable income for the 2020 federal tax returns.
Note: DO NOT EMAIL FINANCIAL INFORMATION!! We will only accept hard copies of your financial documents.

For more information about the program, please visit the McNair Scholars Program website at diversity.wisc.edu/mcnair or through email at mcnair@cdo.wisc.edu.

Award
Up to $2,800
Organizations
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
Deadline
10/21/2022
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is the highest level of education completed by your mother (parent 1) or guardian?
  2. What is the highest level of education completed by your father (parent 2) or guardian?
  3. Based on my parents'/guardians' 2021 federal income tax returns, I am a low-income student according to the *taxable income* levels listed here. *Note: you must specify the "Taxable income" (Line 15 of the 1040 form).
  4. Financial Information
    • Are you considered a dependent or independent student?
    • Are you receiving financial aid?
  5. If dependent student, please answer these questions to the best of your ability. If independent, please enter n/a to each of the questions.
    • 1. On whose taxes were you claimed last year?
    • 2. What was their taxable income?
    • 3. How many exemptions did they claim?
    • 4. What is the size of your household?
  6. If independent student, please answer these questions to the best of your ability. If dependent, please enter n/a to each of the questions.
    • 1. On whose taxes were you claimed last year?
    • 2. What was your taxable income last year?
    • 3. How many exemptions did you claim?
    • 4. What is the size of your household?
  7. What are your racial/ethnic affiliations?
  8. Anticipated College Graduation Date (enter the anticipated semester: Fall, Spring, or Summer + Year YYYY):
  9. Do you plan to enroll in a research-based graduate program in the fall semester immediately after you graduate from UW-Madison?
  10. Do you want to be considered for the McNair-CHM Scholars Program?
  11. If "Yes" above, are you currently conducting research with a CHM-affilated faculty member or scientist? If so, who?
  12. Contact Information for Two Recommendations: (One must be a UW-Madison Professor)
    • Please provide the name and contact information for a potential recommender. One must be a faculty member.
    • Please provide the name and contact information for a potential recommender. One must be a faculty member.
  13. Please provide a personal statement (no more than 1000 words). Please consider these guidelines as you are writing this statement:
    1. Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D.?
    2. What are your short and long term career goals?
    3. How can the McNair Scholars Program assist you in attaining those goals?
    4. Describe a personal example that shows your persistence and commitment to academic endeavors.
    5. What specific research area interests you the most? Discuss any current research or a possible research topic and mentor/professor with whom you would like to work.
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