Authorized by Congress in 1987 to commemorate the tragic death of the astronaut, Ronald E. McNair, who lost his life in the challenger shuttle tragedy

Authorized by Congress in 1987 to commemorate the tragic death of the astronaut, Ronald E. McNair, who lost his life in the challenger shuttle tragedy in 1985. Specifically designed to award grants to institutions of higher education to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study, the first competition for McNair program funds was held in 1989; at that time, the first 20 projects were funded. Over the past 20 years, the McNair program has grown to 200 projects serving approximately 4,200 students nationwide.

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program

Educational opportunity outreach and support programs designed to motivate and encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO consists of nine outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first generation college students and disabled students through the academic pipeline from middle school through postbaccalaureate programs of study.

The Federal TRIO Programs

Highlights of TRIO LegislationTitle IV Higher Education Act

Section 402 – General Provisions



• Combination of Eligible Entities• 5 year Grants• Minimum Grant Levels• Rank-Order Funding• 3 Field Readers Per Application





• Multiple Applications – Different Population or Campuses

• Coordination With Other Programs for Disadvantaged Students

• 10 Technical Assistance Workshops• Low-Income Documentation

Performance Indicators for the McNair Program

Performance Indicators for the McNair Program

McNair participants will:• Complete undergraduate programs at rates

higher than comparable non-participants;• Enroll in programs of study at the graduate

level at higher rates than comparable non-participants; and

• Earn doctorate degrees in various disciplines, including the fields of mathematics and science, at rates higher than comparable non-participants

Program Purpose (§647.1)Program Purpose (§647.1)

Emphasis On:

• Preparation for Doctoral Level Studies

• Research Opportunities/Scholarly Activities

• Entrance Into Postbaccalaureate Studies

Applicant Eligibility (§647.2)Applicant Eligibility (§647.2)

• Institutions of Higher Education

• Combinations of Institutions of Higher Education

Participant Eligibility (§647.3)Participant Eligibility (§647.3)

1. Citizenship status2. Enrolled in a degree program at an IHE3. At least 2/3 of the Students must be

both low-income AND first generation college students; the remaining 1/3 may be from a group that is underrepresented in graduate education

4. Not enrolled in doctoral level study at an IHE

Current FundingCurrent Funding

Fiscal Year 2009

• Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,593,967

• Number of Awards: 200• Number of Participants: 5,439• Average Number of Participants: 27• Average Cost per Participant : $8,750

Services Provided (§647.4)Services Provided (§647.4)

REQUIRED SERVICES (HEOA amendments)• research opportunities /scholarly activities• summer internships• tutoring • academic counseling; and• activities to assist participants with securing

admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in a graduate program

PERMISSABLE SERVICES • educational or counseling services to improve the

financial literacy and economic literacy of students• mentoring programs• exposure to cultural events and programs

McNair Definitions (§647.7)McNair Definitions (§647.7)

• First-generation college student• Graduate center• Graduate education• HEA• Group underrepresented• Institution of higher education • Low-income individual• Summer internship• Target Population

Assurances (§647.10)Assurances (§647.10)

• All participants must be enrolled in a degree program

• Participants in research will have completed his of her sophomore year of study

• Not less than 2/3 of participants must be both low-income AND first-generation college students (Foreign degrees count!)

• 1/3 from underrepresented groups

How a Grant is Made (§647.20)

How a Grant is Made (§647.20)

• Selection Criteria (100 Points)

• Prior Experience (15 Points)

• Rank Order Selection

Selection Criteria (§647.21)Selection Criteria (§647.21)

1. Need………………………………..2. Objectives…………………………..3. Plan of Operation………………….4. Quality of Personnel………………5. Adequacy of Resources and

Budget…………………………………

6. Evaluation Plan……………………Total

16 Points9 Points

44 Points9 Points

15 Points7 Points

100 Points

Allowable Costs (§647.30)Allowable Costs (§647.30)

1. Activities of an academic or scholarly nature

2. $2,800 stipends for eligible students engaged in research

3. Tuition, room and board, transportation for summer research

4. Computer hardware, software, and other equipment (if justified)

Unallowable Costs (§647.31)Unallowable Costs (§647.31)

1. Payment of tuition,stipends,test preparation and fees, or any financial support to staff or students

2. Construction, renovation, or remodeling

Other Requirements (647.32)Other Requirements (647.32)

• Determine and Document Student Eligibility• Recordkeeping

*student eligibility*needs assessment*services*educational progress (during and after)

• Reporting Requirements*Annual Performance Report (APR)

• Project Director’s Authority *Must be sufficient to effectively administer all aspects of

project *Appropriate professional qualifications, experience and

administrative skills

McNair Profile Sheet

Part III A -- McNair Profile Sheet

All applicants must complete this form

Provides basic applicant information

Includes McNair standardized objectives

Profile Sheet may not be altered or revised

GOOD LUCK!!

Documents

Authorized by Congress in 1987 to commemorate the tragic death of the astronaut, Ronald E. McNair, who lost his life in the challenger shuttle tragedy