McNair Scholars Program

The York College McNair Scholars Program helps high-achieving low-income/first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities pursue Ph.D. degrees after they obtain their baccalaureate degrees at York.

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (A.K.A. McNair Scholars Program) was established in 1989. The program is named after Dr. Ronald McNair, one of the astronauts who died on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.  McNair is one of the 8 U.S. Department of Education funded TRIO programs. There are 177 McNair programs throughout the U.S., supporting 4,186 scholars.

What does McNair offer?

Students chosen as McNair Scholars will receive:

  • a stipend of $2,800 per year.
  • a faculty mentor with whom they will engage in research and who will provide advice and support during a Scholar's undergraduate years at York.
  • a counselor who will help with personal and financial matters.
  • help in preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • assistance with graduate school applications.
  • opportunities to attend professional conferences, all expenses covered by McNair.
  • up to six academic credits for research.
  • the camaraderie, friendship and networking among the elite group of McNair Scholars with a shared goal.

 

What are the requirements for McNair Scholars?

A McNair Scholar must:

  • actively engage in research with a faculty mentor. (Minimum: 10 hours per week in the fall and spring semesters, 150 hours total in the summer.)
  • maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above and advance towards your degree at York without undue delays.
  • attend academic year McNair activities (one activity per month during Club Hours).
  • attend a 6-week summer institute after the sophomore year. The institute may be customized to fit your life schedule.
  • do research on or off-campus in the post-junior summer. (Off-campus programs generally run 8-10 weeks and provide an additional stipend.)
  • keep in regular contact and discuss any concerns you may have with the McNair counselor.
  • take the GRE exam as scheduled.
  • apply to graduate schools and apply for financial aid early in the senior year.

 

Who is eligible?

All applicants need to:

  • have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • have completed 45 - 80 credits.
  • be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or in another eligible citizenship status.
  • be a low-income AND first-generation college student, OR a member of an underrepresented group, i.e. Black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaskan Native.
  • be interested in continuing your education and obtaining a Ph.D.

 

How can I apply?

Applications are available from Dr. Robert Schwartz (Room AC-1E15), Dr. Lynne Richards (Room AC-3F01), or David Vazquez (Room AC-1G02). Referrals from faculty, staff and students are welcome and appreciated.

 

Selection Process

The McNair Scholars Program is competitive. Academic index, letters of recommendation, availability of faculty mentors, and in some cases an interview will be used to evaluate candidates. Each McNair Scholar must be matched with a faculty member as his/her mentor. All applicants will be notified of their admission status as soon as a decision is made.

For further information and/or an application, please visit the McNair Office in Room AC-1E15. Telephone: (718) 262-2589; e-mail: mcnair@york.cuny.edu.

McNair Scholars

Charren Cabaroy (Geology)

Jean Cesarius (Mathematics)

Julo Conte (Mathematics)

Shireen Haynes (Mathematics)

Tasneen Islam (Physics)

Lahiru Wijesinghe Kannangara (Biology)

Rashini Wijesinghe Kannangara (Biology)

Norma Morris (Mathematics)

Asnan Riamoni (Chemistry)

Sujit Roy (Chemistry)

Tejbir Sandhu (Chemistry)

Graduates

Khaliah Adams (Information Systems Management) (June 2006)

Adelaja Adedeji (Chemistry) (June 2006)

Audrey Anderson (Psychology) (February 2003)

Nyla Baboolal (Chemistry) (February 2004)

Saida Bibi (Chemistry) (February 2005)

Sheridan Bisram (Psychology) (June 2007) *Class of 2007 Valedictorian*

Lori Collins (Computer Science) (June 2003)

Vanessa Crevecoeur (Chemistry) (June 2007)

Saba Debesu (Political Science) (February 2006)

Sumita Dey (Mathematics) (June 2002)

Tashina Dussie (Chemistry) (June 2006)

Aurelia Giurea (Mathematics) (June 2005)

Haskim Hawkins (Chemistry) (February 2004)

Janet Ibeka (Mathematics) (June 2005)

Osa Igbinaduwa (Mathematics/Computer Science) (June 2002)

Chandrika Illandari (Chemistry) (June 2004)

Samuel E. Jackson (Computer Science) (June 2003)

Charlene Jackson-McMichael (Psychology) (February 2004)

Thandiwe Jarrett (History) (February 2004)

Desmond John Jr. (Psychology) (June 2003)

Tiffany Jones (History) (February 2007)

Dorothy Lee (English) (February 2003)

Stacey Lindsay (Chemistry) (June 2003)

Jose Marquez (Computer Science) (June 2004)  *Class of 2004 Valedictorian*

Beatriz Mieses (Psychology) (February 2003)

Jean Mystal (Chemistry) (June 2005)

Luis Ramirez (Chemistry) (June 2003)

Jamie Ricalde (English) (June 2002)

Nelisa Roach (Mathematics) (June 2006)

Max Saenz (Chemistry) (June 2004) *Honorary 2006 Jonas E. Salk Scholar*

Amrik Singh (Mathematics/Computer Studies) (February 2006)

Stephanie Singleton (English) (February 2004)

Tharenie Sivarajah (Chemistry) (June 2007)

Thulashie Sivarajah (Chemistry) (June 2007)

Ushaahny Sivarajah (Chemistry) (June 2004)

Ruth Stapleton (English) (June 2006)

Dennis Stumpo (Psychology/English) (June 2001)

Roxanna Thomas (Political Science) (September 2004)

Kevin Witter (Bio-Chemistry) (June 2001)

Wilson Wong (Chemistry) (June 2002)

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