The McNair Scholars Program at the University of St. Thomas is now accepting online applications for its 2012-2013 program, which begins in the summer of 2012.

The program is heading into its fifth year at St. Thomas. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and matching funds from the university, the program encourages low-income/first-generation undergraduate students and groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate school to continue their education and ultimately receive their Ph.D.s.

Benefits of the McNair Scholars Program include:

• Faculty-mentored research
• Free Graduate Record Exam training
• Networking at conferences and seminars
• Participation in the Summer Research Institute
• $4,000 merit earned stipend
• Participation in a required, four-credit course in fall 2012 (course fee is paid by the McNair program)

 Eligibility requirements must be followed and are outlined on the McNair Scholars Program website. Some requirements include:

• Currently enrolled sophomore with a minimum 2.85 grade point average
• Strong interest in obtaining a doctoral degree
• Must be a first-generation, low-income college student (determined by U.S. Department of Education guidelines) or underrepresented in a graduate field of study
• Required participation in the 10-week Summer Research Institute and fall 2012 course

The required, four-credit course on the civil rights movement is a new component to the program. Students will focus on key events that took place during the civil rights movement (1954-1965), examine America’s experience with the movement, and analyze its impact on America. The goal of the course is to enhance McNair Scholars’ writing, reading and comprehension, and presentation and communication skills. The course also provides a thorough context of events that helped shape America.

Students who are interested in the McNair Scholars Program and would like to learn more about the program or eligibility requirements are encouraged to email Cynthia Fraction (frac2792@stthomas.edu) to schedule an informational meeting after Jan. 1.

The priority application deadline is Jan. 13, 2012, and the final application deadline is Jan. 31, 2012. The application, eligibility requirements, and additional information are available online here.