Iowa State Ronald E. McNair Scholarship

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is one of eight federally funded TRIO programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from marginalized backgrounds. The overall objective of McNair is to prepare first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students for entry to graduate school and the attainment of the doctoral degree. This scholarship is designed to increase the number of McNair Scholars at Iowa State and is in addition to all other funding received.

McNair Application Fee Waiver

Iowa State University is included on the national list of colleges and universities that offer McNair application fee waivers. Eligible students need only check (✓) "yes" to the question, "Are you a McNair Scholar?" on the application. Graduate College staff will verify McNair program participation.

Eligibility

You cannot apply for the McNair Scholarship as a student. You must be nominated by the director of graduate education (DOGE) of your program and meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Documented participation in a McNair program proven by having checked the McNair box on the application and a confirmation document on file from the student’s home McNair program.
• New student entering fall semester to a masters or doctoral degree program. Currently enrolled students are ineligible.
• Appointed as a half-time (20 hour a week appointment) graduate assistant.

Financial Support

• Approved nominations will receive one-time scholarships of $3,000 (master's students) or $6,000 (doctoral students).
• Each scholarship will be awarded in two parts: 1/3 at the beginning of the first semester and 2/3 upon full approval of the program of study (POSC).

Program Expectations

Each nomination must include information about how you will be supported (onboarding, mentoring, advising, etc.) throughout your first year. Graduate College staff will follow-up with you throughout your first year and at the end to learn about your experience.

Student Expectations

As a recipient of these funds, students are expected to attend and present orally or in poster format (once for masters and twice for doctoral) at theAs a recipient of these funds, students are expected to attend and present orally or in poster format (once for masters and twice for doctoral) at the Annual George A. Jackson Research Symposium. The Symposium is an event planned for graduate students by graduate students who receive diversity financial support from the Graduate College.

This scholarship may be combined with the George A. Jackson Award for those students who are eligible.

➤