The ISU TRIO McNair Scholars Program increases graduate studies opportunities for first-gen, limited income, and underrepresented students.

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Scholars Program, better known as the McNair Scholars Program, is one of eight federal TRIO grant programs hosted by Idaho State University. The TRIO McNair Scholars program boosts the number of first-generation and limited income students and those from underrepresented backgrounds in doctoral programs and supports their academic success. 

ISU’s TRIO McNair Scholars program offers resources such as advising for academic, personal, and career concerns, tutoring, mentoring from specialized faculty and staff, plenty of opportunities to participate in research and gain experience presenting that research, graduate school preparation, summer internships in students’ fields, developmental workshops and seminars, and the ability to attend, network during, and present work at professional and academic conferences. The program also offers financial aid assistance, including stipends to finance summer research programs and graduate school application fee waivers.

The TRIO McNair Scholars program has produced many success stories, including Ms. Crystal Lovato’s, who graduated from ISU in 2022 with microbiology and music degrees and now attends a graduate program at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. When asked about her experience with the ISU TRIO McNair Scholars program, Lovato said that the program was

one of the most integral factors in going to grad school. I was given resources to go to conferences, present my research, and feel confident in my abilities as a student. They helped me through the application process and always gave me tips on how to improve. However, the most important thing the McNair program gave me was a community I could always count on. The students, mentors, teachers, and fellow researchers I met all told me I was worthy of the path I had chosen and that it was more than ok to ask for help to get there! Without the McNair program, I would not be where I am today.

Keep up to date with the ISU TRIO McNair Scholars Program by following them on Instagram (@isutriomcnair) and Facebook, where they post all their events and program updates. You can also learn more and request support by visiting TRIO McNair Scholars Program | Idaho State University or contacting the office at (208) 282 - 3612  | triomcnair@isu.edu | isu.edu/trio.