Ronald E. McNair Achievement Program

Ronald E. McNair 
Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

We're on a mission to transform academia. A federally funded TRiO program, we empower visionary First Generation, Low-income (FGLI) and Underrepresented students to thrive in graduate school through transformative mentorship and rigorous academic support. McNair is housed in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC). 

 

Need a visual? We got you. 


Two Year Timeline
Sophomore Year

Envision: Application, Decision, Research Design Course (Spring Semester)

First Summer

UROC Research Experience at U of A

Junior Year

Practice: Dive deep into graduate school research and preparation

Second Summer 

Research Experience Elsewhere

Senior Year

Launch: Graduate Preparation Course, application, acceptances

 


  • Prestigious national program
  • 10 units of upper division credit
  • $5,000 first summer stipend
  • Fee waivers for grad school apps
  • Presentations at a national conference

     

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McNair Eligibility Guidelines

Full-time U of A (Main Campus) student. US citizen, permanent legal resident, or has demonstrated their intention to become a permanent resident of the US. First generation college student who meets federal low-income guidelines (FGLI) and/or underrepresented in graduate education. Junior standing by end of upcoming spring semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Strong desire to pursue a doctoral degree

 

Am I Eligible for the McNair program? 

Application Form (to be completed online at the time of submission)
Eligibility Documentation
  • Income Verification Form
    • All McNair applicants need to submit an income verification form with their application. 
      • If your parent(s) are included in your FAFSA, you are considered a dependent student. Please have them fill out this form
      • If your parent(s) are not included in your FAFSA, you are considered an independent student. Please fill out this form
    • To complete the forms: 
      • Students can save a copy of the linked document so the necessary parties can fill out the form virtually. To sign, they will need use the calligraphy pen icon and place it in the signature space. Remember to save the final document once it's finished. 
      • Alternatively, the forms can be printed, filled out, scanned, and saved. If students don't have access to a scanner, there is a free app called Tiny Scanner where people can take a picture of a document with their phones, and it turns into a scanned pdf. 
  • Citizenship Documentation (if applicable)
    • Typically, this is an I94 or similar government approved documentation. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions! We're happy to support you as you gather your application materials.  
Required Essays
  • Personal Statement (250-500 words):
    • We want to get to know you and how our programs could empower you to achieve your goals.
    • To support your writing, consider the addressing some or all of the following:
      • Why is the UROC program you’re applying to a great fit for you? How will it help you achieve your graduate school and career goals?
      • What unique skills and lived experiences will help you engage in research and graduate school?
      • What academic experiences have been the most impactful for you?
      • How will you contribute to the UROC Scholarly community?
  • Research Internet Statement (250-500 words):
    • What is a research project you would like to explore during your UROC experience?
    • To support your writing, consider the addressing some or all of the following:
      • Why is research interesting to you? What excites you about your intended field of research?
      • What is a pressing problem you want to help solve or question you want to help answer?
      • Why is your discipline a good place to explore this problem or question?
  • Diversity Statement (250 words)
    • How do your identities and lived experiences contribute to diversity and equity in your field?

 

All set? Apply now!

 

Connect with the McNair team if you need help with any materials! We're happy to answer any questions. 

McNair Program Staff and Faculty

Caitlin Rosario Kelly, ABD

McNair Program Director 

Assistant Professor of Practice

crosariokelly@arizona.edu

520-621-3471

Victoria Juvera

McNair Administrative Assistant

victoriajuvera@arizona.edu

520-621-9223

 

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program is sponsored through a federal grant (#P217A220105) through the US Department of Education, Federal TRIO Programs.