Knox College
PA-7: Support for Future Faculty Diversity

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society. Each year, the McNair Program selects 10 sophomores who work with faculty mentors through their senior year to develop academic and research projects. As a McNair scholar, the program prepares you for graduate and doctoral studies and encourages you to explore research-intensive careers, including academia and working at the highest levels of science and technology. Since Knox joined the program in 1992, 42% of participating students have earned top degrees in their fields, including the MFA and Ph.D. The success rate of our students in earning these degrees, which are typically required for academic and research-based careers, is more than twice the minimum completion rate of 20% that is expected by the federal government. Knox is one of just 200 colleges and universities in the McNair Program and one of the first small liberal arts colleges in the nation selected for the initiative.