About TRIO McNair Scholars
The TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities prepares high-achieving, first-generation, income-eligible, and underrepresented undergraduate students for success in doctoral study and research careers. Through a blend of hands-on research, academic enrichment, and community-building, we equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in graduate education and beyond.
Each year, we support a diverse cohort of over 40 students across a wide range of disciplines—from the humanities and social sciences to STEM fields and health-related professions. McNair Scholars at UMN engage in rigorous summer research experiences with dedicated faculty mentors, receive financial support, and participate in graduate school preparation seminars throughout the year. Scholars present their work at local and national conferences and join a thriving community of peers who share a commitment to academic excellence and social impact.
McNair Scholars from the University of Minnesota are making bold contributions to fields such as biotechnology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and public policy. Many go on to become faculty members, researchers, and leaders who are shaping a safer, more equitable, and more innovative future.
Our work reflects the University’s commitment to expanding access to graduate education and exemplifies the values of MPACT 2025. At McNair, we don’t just prepare students for the next step—we help them reimagine what’s possible.
About Ronald E. McNair
The McNair Scholars Program is named in honor of Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair (1950–1986)—a physicist, astronaut, and trailblazer.
Raised in a working-class family in Lake City, South Carolina, McNair overcame systemic barriers to become a nationally recognized scientist. He earned his Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and went on to become one of NASA’s first African American astronauts. In 1984, he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Two years later, he tragically lost his life in the Challenger accident.
Dr. McNair’s legacy lives on through the program that bears his name. His life exemplifies the determination, brilliance, and resilience that McNair Scholars embody today. The program honors his belief that talent exists everywhere—and that with opportunity, mentorship, and persistence, students from all backgrounds can achieve excellence.
What Our McNair Scholars Say...
"The McNair Program helped me, a first-gen scholar, gain more insight on the graduate school application process as well as with drafting my application materials. It also helped me prepare to conduct research at a graduate school level that prepared me for the current research that I do."
Lizette Horne, UMN PhD Student & 2021 McNair Scholar
A leader amongst peers
While many undergraduate research programs offer valuable experiences, the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota goes beyond traditional support. From competitive stipends to year-round mentoring and graduate school preparation, McNair provides a comprehensive framework designed specifically to propel first-generation and low-income students toward doctoral study. The table below highlights how McNair compares to other opportunities on campus.
Service Name | Other Programs | McNair Scholars Program |
|---|---|---|
Faculty Mentor Research Experience | x | x |
1:1 Advisor Support | x | |
Cohort Based Model | x | |
Fee Waivers for Applying to Graduate School Programs | x | |
Graduate School Preparation | x | |
National Network of Scholars | x | |
Presentations at a National Conference | x |
Our History
Since its founding, the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has remained dedicated to empowering students through research, mentorship, and graduate school preparation. Below is a glimpse into some of the key milestones that have shaped our program and its ongoing impact.
2025
2020
2012
1991
In 2025, the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota continues to thrive, supporting over 40 first-generation and income-eligible students each year from a wide range of academic disciplines. Our scholars are pushing the boundaries of undergraduate research, producing impactful work that addresses some of today’s most pressing issues. Many have become leaders in their fields, committed to making our country more secure, safe, and prosperous. As we look ahead, our program remains deeply rooted in its mission to uplift and empower the next generation of scholars and change-makers.
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota demonstrated its resilience and unwavering commitment to students by continuing its full programming virtually. While many other McNair programs across the country chose to pause or scale back their activities, the UMN McNair team adapted quickly—transitioning research, workshops, and mentorship to online platforms. This pivot ensured that scholars continued to receive the support, guidance, and resources they needed during an especially challenging time.
UMN TRIO McNair welcomed Anthony Albecker as its new director. Albecker had been involved with the program as a dedicated volunteer since 2004, bringing a deep understanding of its mission and community. He became only the second director in the program’s history and continues to serve in that role today, guiding the program with a strong commitment to equity, mentorship, and academic excellence. His leadership has helped the program grow while remaining rooted in its mission to support first-generation, income-eligible, and underrepresented students in their pursuit of doctoral education.
The TRIO McNair Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities was established in 1991, thanks to a successful grant written by Sharon Shelskye. Since its inception, the program has been committed to preparing first-generation, income-eligible, and underrepresented undergraduate students for doctoral study through research, mentorship, and academic support.
