
McNair Scholars

Empowering the next generation of students.

Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair was an accomplished physicist who overcame poverty and racism to become the second African American astronaut. He tragically died in the Challenger explosion in 1986. In addition to his academic achievements, he was also a loving father, a karate black belt, and a skilled saxophonist. The McNair Scholars program aims to continue his legacy by supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields.
“Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly you want them. You're eagles! Stretch your wings and fly to the sky!” - Ronald E. McNair
Apply to be a future McNair Scholar today!
McNair Scholars Spotlight
A long shot pays off for this RIC elementary ed major.
Psychology major, Jeremi Evangelista researched stereotypes among members of the LGBT community around masculinity and femininity.
McNair Scholars by the Numbers
10
Years Funded by U.S. Department of Education
63%
of Undergraduate Students Served in the Last 10 Years
55%
of Undergraduate McNair Scholars moved on to graduate school
