Applicants who are selected to join the McNair Scholars Program will be offered the opportunity to:

• Participate in a paid research internship
• Work with a faculty member in their chosen field
• Present their research at a regional or national conference
• Learn about opportunities in graduate studies in their chosen field
• Receive graduate school application assistance and advocacy, including funding
• opportunities
• Participate in GRE test preparation
• Visit graduate schools and present their research at conferences
• Receive academic counseling and tutoring as needed during their undergraduate careers at Idaho State University 

If you are interested in applying to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program, you can download or pick up an application from The TRIO Central Office located on the 4th floor of the Museum Building; Room 446.

McNair Scholars Application

To be eligible for the McNair Scholars Program must meet all of the following criteria:

• Qualify as either a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree) whose household meets the low-income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education; or as a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education. The U.S. Department of Education currently defines “underrepresented groups" specifically as Native American, Alaskan Native, Hispanic, and African-American.
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be a first-time degree-seeking undergraduate student at Idaho State University
• Completed at least 58 credits hours by the time of program enrollment
• Possess and maintain a competitive cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher
• Have a sincere desire to complete a PhD.

McNair Scholars Program Eligibility Questionnaire 

McNair Scholars Application

2019 Cohort

2020 Cohort

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)

McNair Scholars Program Nomination Form

The Research Mentor (RM) will work with the McNair Scholar on his/her research interest for a minimum of two semesters (summer semester and the students second fall semester). The RM will oversee the student’s summer research internship. RM’s will work closely with the TRIO-McNair Scholars to design the specific research project the students will conduct. RM’s will be paired with the participant through assessment of research interest, a mentor café where researches and McNair Scholars have a roundtable discussion. RM’s assist the scholars with selecting a research project, conceptualizing the research design, preparing a research proposal, analyzing research data, writing and revising results, and learn how to disseminate results. RM’s will also suggest articles to read, share their personal graduate school experiences, listen to and respond to mentee(s)’ concerns, discuss strategies for studying and time management, and offer support towards graduate studies. The RM will play a critical key role in building the scholars’ academic preparedness and self-confidence with the FM’s high expectations, encouragement and guidance.

The TRIO McNair Scholars Program accepts Research Mentors on a rolling bases. If you are interested in becoming a Research Mentor, please fill out a Research Mentor Application 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.  

A Faculty Mentor (FM) will work with the student from the beginning of the student’s participation in the TRIO McNair Program. The FM will be assigned to the student by the TRIO McNair Director and work with the McNair Scholar throughout the two years the student is involved in the program. The FM pairing will be based on the participant’s discipline, interest, and other assessed needs that match with the FM’s area of academic expertise. The FM will meet with the student every other week to provide guidance, networking opportunities, graduate application assistance, and overall support for the student’s quest for a doctoral degree.

The TRIO McNair Scholars Program accepts Faculty Mentors on a rolling bases. If you are interested in becoming one, please fill out a Faculty Mentor Application 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.