Academic Scholarship

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Location

Wisconsin, United States

Level of study

Undergraduate

Cycle

2026/2027

Entry ID SC-53115

At a glance

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is part of a federally funded initiative designed to prepare undergraduate students from underrepresented groups for doctoral studies. The program is named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and astronaut who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The McNair Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds who pursue and complete Ph.D. programs.

Who can apply

  • Undergraduate Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled as juniors or seniors at UW-Madison.
  • Underrepresented Groups: The program is specifically designed for students who are first-generation college students with financial need or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander).
  • Academic Achievement: Applicants should have a strong academic record, typically with a minimum GPA requirement (often 3.0 or higher).
  • Commitment to Doctoral Studies: Applicants must have a genuine interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree and demonstrate a commitment to academic research.
  • Application Materials: Applicants typically need to submit a resume, a personal statement describing their research interests and career goals, unofficial transcripts, and letters of recommendation. An interview may also be part of the selection process
Read the full eligibility criteria

Contact

Phone: (608) 263-2433

University of Wisconsin-Madison

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