Undergraduate Studies and Research
Ellensburg
Language and Literature Building, room 103
Mail Stop 7516
509-963-2869
www.cwu.edu/mcnair-scholars
See website for how these programs may be used for educational and career purposes
Director
Pamela Nevar
Staff
Lucinda Carnell, faculty coordinator
LeAnna Chard, office assistant
Kayla-Ann Hemmings, graduate assistant
Eunice Perez, office assistant
Program Information
The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at CWU is funded by a grant from the Department of Education under the TRIO Programs.
This is an academically rigorous program, not a scholarship. The program is designed to provide underrepresented (low-income and first-generation, and/or ethnic minority) students with the training and opportunity to prepare for and successfully apply to graduate school programs. To this end, admitted scholars are required to complete graduate school preparation seminars. The goal of the program is for scholars to attain their doctorates and teach at universities.
A cornerstone of this program is the linking of scholars with faculty mentors. Students are expected to complete a summer research internship under the supervision of a research mentor. Scholars also have the option of a teaching internship during one academic quarter and/or pursuing a leadership development track during their second year as a McNair Scholar.
CWU students are encouraged to apply to the McNair Scholars Program as sophomores or juniors and are selected on the basis of their academic excellence, career objectives and faculty recommendations.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
- Be a low-income student who is also a first-generation college student; or must be a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education (African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander);
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a degree program at CWU
- Must have completed 90 quarter credits by the time you begin the McNair Scholars Program
- Must have at least one year remaining before graduation
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.9 and a major GPA of at least 3.1
- Must express a desire to attain a PhD
Complete an application, complete with form, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Application materials and deadlines are available on the program website.