Academic year activities prepare participants for success in undergraduate and graduate education, including completion of Ph.D. studies. The University of Wisconsin–Madison McNair Scholars Program provides the following benefits:
- Conduct research under the mentorship of UW–Madison faculty and researchers following a tri-mentor model
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The UW–Madison McNair Scholars Program supports scholars through a tri-mentor model, which includes:
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Faculty Research Mentor – guides the scholar through the design and completion of a research project
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McNair PA (Graduate Peer Advisor) – offers support through monthly advising, seminar facilitation, and application feedback
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GMAP Mentor (Graduate Student Mentoring Alliance Program) – connects scholars with McNair alumni in similar fields to foster social support and help with the transition to graduate school
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- Learn research ethics and responsible conduct of research
- Develop and present research at local and national conferences
- Network with graduate students, post-doctoral trainees, and faculty with similar research interests
- Learn how to prepare a competitive graduate application
- Receive advice on locating funding for graduate studies and financing graduate education
- Attend professional development workshops/seminars/discussions on how to successfully navigate the rigors of graduate education
- Visit graduate programs in the USA (up to two cities, depending on funding availability)
- Receive up to a ~$5,600 research stipend in the summer and additional research stipend for fall/spring semesters *subject to change*
- And much, much more…
“The McNair program helped me pursue my dream of becoming a professor of psychology. I had no idea how to start the process or the money to pay for the GRE, admission applications, GRE preparation, or financial support for my undergraduate thesis work. I will forever be thankful to the McNair program for taking me in and helping me prepare for the rigors of graduate school. I had a lot of fun in the program and loved the community I found.” –Cory Washington, ’17
“I sincerely appreciate the McNair Scholars program and how it supported me in preparing for graduate school. It did this by facilitating various professional development activities such as writing projects, reaching out to faculty, and organizing a portfolio. All of these skillsets are very useful for graduate students, and this program does smoothen the transition between undergrad and graduate student life.” –Lina Liu, ’22
“McNair Scholars Program/TRIO ignited a fire within me, instilling the confidence and providing the support I needed to create systemic, long-term change by diversifying research and contributing to a growing body of knowledge and practice in public health. McNair (program and staff) were amongst the first to believe in me before I believed in myself, transforming how I saw my own potential and setting me on a path to make a meaningful impact.” –Stephanie Woodson, ’21