We are pleased to announce that Ripon College has been awarded a five year grant for the McNair Scholars Program, a federally funded United States Department of Education TRIO program. The McNair program is designed to encourage students often underrepresented in graduate programs to pursue doctoral degrees. However, this opportunity is not just reserved for Ripon College students. The program at Ripon College extends the opportunity to students at St. Norbert College in DePere, WI, and Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, through a collaborative participation initiative.

The McNair Scholars Program prepares students for graduate school who meet federal income guidelines and whose parents have not earned an undergraduate degree; or for students from groups underrepresented in graduate education: African American, Native American, and Hispanic. The purpose of the program is to provide enriching experiences that prepare eligible students for doctoral study.

One of the most exciting aspects of the McNair Scholars Program is the opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in summer research experiences. Students team up with faculty mentors who have similar academic interests to develop their research plan. Upon completion of the research, McNair Scholars will present their research to faculty, staff, and peers at the McNair Symposium, and/or other conferences.

Additionally, McNair Scholars receive guidance in learning about the opportunities associated with graduate study, complete GRE preparation courses, and visit graduate schools that offer programs in their area of interest.