McNair Scholars Program Application

• Juniors and seniors in good academic standing (Must have completed a minimum of 60 units)
• US citizen or permanent resident
• First-generation AND low-income(opens in new window)
• Underrepresented students with an educational disadvantage will also be considered

*All qualified students are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. 

• Program Commitment Acknowledgement (signature required)
• Scholar Profile Income Verification
• Research Experience Assessment
• Three (3) short essay responses (250 words each)
• Faculty Letter of Recommendation
  • Select a faculty member who can speak to your academic ability, work ethic, or research experience. 1 page maximum, double-spaced.

Please describe any significant challenges or obstacles you have encountered in your pursuit of higher education. How have these experiences shaped your academic journey? Please include the strategies, resources, or support systems you have utilized to overcome these challenges and how they strengthened your readiness for success in graduate education. (250-word limit)                             

Reflect on your aspirations for graduate education, including your interest in pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. program. How has your academic journey aligned with your decision to pursue these goals, and in what ways will participating in the McNair Scholars Program support your long-term professional and personal development? (250-word limit)    

Discuss your research interests and experiences, and how they have contributed to your graduate education goals. Include any participation in research programs, academic courses, or independent projects; presentations, publications, or awards; support/mentorship from Faculty; and how your involvement in these have shaped your interest in scholarly research.  
(250-word limit)   

As a McNair Scholar, you will be expected to engage in program activities, including workshops, presentations, and advising sessions each semester with McNair Scholars Program Director & staff. Continued funding will be contingent on active participation and engaging in required program activities to include the following: 

1. Participation in *2026 Summer Research Institute facilitated by McNair Scholars Program and program partners. McNair Summer Research Institute will be mandatory. (Hybrid schedule/July 2026)
2. Completion of Canvas modules including:
   1. Two advising sessions per semester with either McNair Scholars Program director and/or McNair Scholars Program support coordinator (4 total in an academic year)
   2. One meeting per semester with McNair Scholars writing and research coordinator
   3. Two workshops and/or events each semester from McNair and Graduate Studies offerings
   4. Graduate school exploration, materials, applications, and more
3. Participation in the Chico State Student Research Competition March 2027 (if eligible)

*We support McNair applicants with varying research skills and at all levels of their research development.