Program Services

McNair Scholars receive support along the path toward their graduate school enrollment, including:

• Faculty mentoring through undergraduate research
• GRE preparation
• Support and advice through the graduate admissions process
• Academic advising
• Access to workshops and seminars about research and the graduate school process

Once Scholars complete all program requirememts for a given year, including workshop attendance and research requirements, they are eligible to receive up to a $2,800 stipend.

Mentored Academic Research

Each year, selected McNair Scholars participate in a Research Internship to increase their knowledge of academic research, graduate school, and Ph.D. programs.

Under the guidance of a UA Little Rock faculty mentor from the students chosen discipline, Scholars conduct research in their field of interest with faculty who are completing similar research. These relationships allow Scholars to meet other faculty members and attend/present their research at local or national conferences.

Academic Presentations

Scholars are required to present their research and travel to one McNair conference each year as a group. Additionally, Scholars have the opportunity to travel to present at local and national conferences in an academic setting. Each year the UA Little Rock McNair Program hosts a two-day Symposium so all participants can present their research to faculty in their field (their committee) and additional guests.

Graduate School Admission Preparation

Typically, a strong application for graduate school admission requires at least a year of preparation. Scholars are provided resources to determine what graduate programs might be a good fit, feedback on their graduate school application materials, and support and guidance to prepare for graduate school entrance exams. They also receive assistance for securing graduate school funding through fellowships and assistantships. Scholars who are graduating seniors may also participate in advising and seminars on how to adjust to and be successful in graduate school.