Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
The University of Wisconsin – Madison
This program was created to bridge undergraduate and graduate education by providing undergraduate students with academic, research, and scholarly experiences. The program is specifically for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public higher-learning institution home to world-class education, research, and outreach. Due to its impressive alumni outcomes, the school has ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide for employability in the Graduate Employability Ranking.
This program awards one applicant the sum of $2,800. The University of Wisconsin–Madison students of all majors are welcome to apply. Applicants must be first-generation college students from unprivileged families. They must demonstrate financial need and academic achievements.
Scholarship Summary
This program was created to bridge undergraduate and graduate education by providing undergraduate students with academic, research, and scholarly experiences. The program is specifically for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public higher-learning institution home to world-class education, research, and outreach. Due to its impressive alumni outcomes, the school has ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide for employability in the Graduate Employability Ranking.
This program awards one applicant the sum of $2,800. The University of Wisconsin–Madison students of all majors are welcome to apply. Applicants must be first-generation college students from unprivileged families. They must demonstrate financial need and academic achievements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Undergraduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 2.9
- Geographic Eligibility: Wisconsin
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander
Key Information of Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
The University of Wisconsin – Madison
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Recommendation letters
- Essay
- Financial Information
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program Timeline
August
Application Opening Date
Applications open in August.
October 1
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is in October.
How to ace the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
Get a recommendation letter from a professor
You need to submit two letters of recommendation as part of the requirements. Ensure that one of them comes from a professor at your institution. Choose those who know you well enough to speak to your abilities.
Provide a relatable personal statement
Write a personal statement that explains why you want to pursue a Ph.D. Add comments about your short and long-term career goals, how the McNair Scholars Program can assist you in attaining those goals, your research interests, and a personal example that shows your commitment to academic endeavors. All these should be In no more than 100 words.
Show that you require financial aid
This program is for you if you need financial aid to stay in school. You must fill out the Verification of Income Form (available on the website) and send copies of your financial documents.
Indicate that you're a first-generation student
Preference is usually given to first-generation students in this program. Fill out the First-Generation College Status Form (available on the website).
How the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is Judged
Applicants will be judged based on the eligibility requirements and application requirements. However, candidates who are first-generation college students, from low-income families, and can participate in the program for a minimum of 12 full months will be given preference.
Why We Love the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
Selected scholars will join a support community
Besides financial benefits, scholars of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program also enjoy mentorship and social benefits from being part of a community of peers, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The program helps bridge the minority gap
One of the focus points of this program is to increase the number of Ph.D. students from underrepresented segments of society.
The program prepares students for graduate school
The program provides enriching experiences and mentoring that prepare students for graduate school admission and doctoral study.
5 Facts about Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
Another name of the program
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is also known as the McNair Scholars Program and was named after African American scientist Ronald McNair.
History of the scholarship
This program was created as part of the educational opportunity (TRIO) programs governed by the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Financial documents should be hard copies
The committee only accepts hard copies of financial documents, so ensure you mail them to the address provided on the website.
Taxable income must be provided
Applicants must provide their taxable income to themselves or their guardians.
The organizers have an additional opportunity
Another program, the McNair-CHM Scholars Program, is also available for University of Wisconsin–Madison students.