McNair Program Requirements and 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. 

• Scholar Profile (Demographics, Income Verification, and Academic History)  

• 3 Short Essay Questions (250 words each) 

• 1 Letter of Recommendation (Faculty Preferred) 

• Copy of your Financial Aid Award letter for 2025-2026 Academic year 

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 *2025 Summer Research Institute facilitated by McNair Scholars Program and     program partners. McNair Summer Research Institute will be mandatory.  
   (Hybrid schedule/July 2025)
2. Two advising sessions per semester with McNair Scholars Project Director & McNair Staff
3. One meeting per semester with McNair Faculty Research Coordinator
4. Three workshops and/or events each semester from McNair and Graduate Studies offerings
5. Completion of the Graduate Pathway Portfolio before B.A./B.S. Graduation (GRAD Portfolio)
6. Participation in the Chico State Student Research Competition March 2026
   • (Optional for Juniors/Required for Senior Scholars)  

*We support McNair applicants with varying research skills and at all levels of their research development. The McNair Scholars Program aims to increase your research skillset and nurture your academic development as essential preparation for graduate school applications and success in graduate education.