About TRIO McNair
TRIO McNair Programs were established in 1986 by the U.S. Department of Education and named after astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member Dr. Ronald E. McNair.
Idaho State University TRIO McNair Scholars Program is one of several TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education supporting the academic achievement of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.The purpose of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program is to assist with the academic and professional development of undergraduate students whose goals are to research at the college level and obtain a PhD.
Program Benefits and Application
Benefits of being a TRIO McNair Scholar:
- Work with a faculty research mentor.
- Participate in a paid summer research internship.
- Assistance in identifying and applying to graduate schools.
- Assistance in locating and applying to research internships.
- Assistance in applying for financial aid and funding.
- GRE test preparation, tutoring, and fee reduction qualification.
- Fee waivers for graduate school applications.
- Opportunities to present research at local, regional, and national conferences.
If you are interested in applying to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program, you can download the application below or pick up an application from The TRIO Central Office located on the 4th floor of the Museum Building; Room 446.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria for the TRIO McNair Scholars Program:
- A first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor's degree) AND meet the low-income guidelines established by the US Department of Education;
- OR a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education. The US Department of Education currently defines "underrepresented groups" specifically as American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latinx, African-American/Black, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
- A citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
- A first-time degree-seeking undergraduate student at Idaho State University.
- Have 2 years of undergraduate studies remaining.
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Have a strong desire to attain a Ph.D.
McNair Scholars Program Nomination
Do you know of any students who are first-generation, from a low-income background and or from an underrepresented population interested in applying to doctoral programs after graduation?
The TRIO-McNair scholars program is one of the nation’s most prestigious federally funded program designed to prepare undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds for success in graduate school. Candidates selected into the McNair scholars program will be offered the opportunity to participate in a paid summer research internship, work with a faculty member in their chosen field, present their research at a regional or national conference, receive graduate school application assistance including application fee waivers, participate in GRE test preparation, visit graduate schools, and so much more.
Candidate must be:
• A U.S citizen or resident
• A current sophomore or junior (has completed at least 58 credit hours)
Become a Faculty Research Mentor
A TRIO McNair Research Mentor fulfills a key role in preparing a student from an underprivileged or underrepresented background for success in completing a doctoral program. Research mentors work closely with a TRIO McNair Scholar to design a research project and oversee their research efforts during a summer research intership. In addition, research mentors are able to share their personal experiences in graduate school, respond to mentee's concerns, and discuss effective strategies for success. Research mentors make substantial contributions to the academic preparedness and self-confidence of their mentees and help them realize their dream of obtaining a doctoral degree.
If you are interested in becoming a Research Mentor, please fill out a Research Mentor Application below or call the TRIO Central Office at (208) 282-3242. We can also be reached by email at triomcnair@isu.edu for questions or concerns.
McNair Scholars Program Staff
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Denise Tambasco, Ed. D.
Student Support Services/McNair Scholars Program Director
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242

Reinalyn Echon
SSS/McNair Programming Specialist
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242

Laticia Herkshan
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Office: Museum Building, Room 446
(208) 282-3242
Contact Us
(208) 282-3242
(208) 282-4864
TRIO Central Office
921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8345 Museum Building Room 446
Pocatello, ID 83209
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