Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
The McNair Scholars Program is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to support undergraduate students’ scholarly activities throughout the academic year and summer. John Jay College is funded to serve 27 students per year.
The objective of the program is to encourage low-income and first generation students (as well as students from underrepresented populations) to pursue graduate study, provide academically enriching experiences and mentoring to prepare students for graduate school admission and eventual doctoral study.
Special Aspects of the Program
- Workshops and Activities McNair Scholars will participate in workshops, seminars, classes, and other scholarly activities designed to enhance their academic abilities. They will also complete a research course prior to a summer research internship. In addition, they will participate in activities designed to build personal skills that will facilitate their transition to graduate school.
- Research and Mentorships Each McNair student will select a faculty mentor from the discipline in which they hope to pursue graduate study and will receive a stipend after conducting research under the guidance of that mentor. Students may also have the opportunity to attend professional conferences with their mentors, where they may meet distinguished scholars and learn more about their chosen fields.
- Graduate School Admission Preparation McNair Scholars will receive individual and group services to facilitate their successful entry into graduate school. Included in this will be extensive Graduate Record Examination preparation and help with the graduate school application process. Scholars will also receive financial aid counseling, career counseling and personal counseling.
Letters of recommendation from faculty mentors and research experiences listed on the resumé will enhance the student’s standing in the competition for graduate school admission. Many graduate schools waive application fees and offer special fellowships to McNair Scholars.
Our Scholars
Every year, the U.S. Department of Education sponsors up to 27 McNair scholars at John Jay College.
Our Mentors
The McNair program has a robust and diverse representation of mentors from various disciplines, including Economics, Psychology, Philosophy, Political Science, African American studies, English, Sociology, Law & Police Science and History.
McNair News and Events
- Congratulations to the McNair scholars who were accepted to the graduate programs!
- McNair Scholars presented their research at the NY/NJ Metro Conference and the Student Leadership & Advocacy Symposium where Gaby won the best poster within the Social Sciences and Humanities!
- In May 2023, John Jay College and McNair celebrated 50 Years of Black Studies.
- Second-year McNair scholars presented their research during the 2023 Research & Creativity Expo Week held at John Jay College from April 26 to May 5.
McNair Newsletter & Journal
The McNair program publishes a biannual newsletter and an annual journal that highlights a full list of McNair activities and scholars’ achievements.
For more information, contact Associate Director Dr. S. Ernest Lee elee@jjay.cuny.edu, or McNair Program Assistant Ms. Rachel Rosado at rarosado@jjay.cuny.edu. Connect with us on social media for the latest news!