The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is a federally-funded TRIO program administered by the U.S. Department of Education and serves a diverse group of talented Castleton University sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in pursuing graduate education and earning a Ph.D. Castleton McNair provides enriching scholastic experiences that prepare eligible students to be successful applicants to competitive graduate programs.
McNair Scholars are selected on a competitive basis. To be eligible, an applicant must:
Students must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing doctoral studies and agree to participate
in all of the following: intensive faculty-guided summer research program, spring semester research methods course, summer graduate school preparation seminars and activities, monthly seminars, workshops, and advising meetings with McNair staff. Participants are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Note to Applicants: Applications are due by November 15, 2022. Applications received after this date will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available seats are filled. Please submit all of the below documents to brittany.green@castleton.edu or in person to Britt Green upstairs in Moriarty House (above the Coffee Cottage). If you have any questions about the application and/or regarding your eligibility, please contact our office by emailing castletonmcnair@castleton.edu or calling 802-468-1087.
** To qualify as first-generation, the parent(s) with which you primarily reside cannot have obtained a bachelor’s degree(s).
In addition to the application below, please complete the following.
Personal Statement (250 words)
Describe your interest in the McNair Scholars Program. What academic and other achievements have prepared you to be a successful McNair Scholar? What areas of graduate study are you interested in pursuing? Do you have specific goals related to completing a doctoral degree? Your name should appear in the top right corner of each page of your personal statement.
Faculty Recommendations (2)
Two completed forms of recommendation are required (provided). These forms must come from faculty, preferably in your major. Distribute the appropriate form to your recommenders. Please remember to give the forms to your recommenders as soon as possible.
Statement of confidentiality: The information contained in this application is for the purpose of determining the applicant's eligibility for the McNair Scholars Program. Information is treated confidentially.