The federally-funded Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program prepares highly motivated undergraduate students for doctoral studies. Participants are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and are first-generation university students or they are African-American, Hispanic, Native-American or Native-Alaskan students.

McNair scholars exhibit excellent academic performance and demonstrate strong potential for distinguished graduate school achievement. Program professionals and university faculty members work closely with participants to coach academic and research skills. Also, participants receive specific information about how to apply to graduate school and how to be successful once accepted into graduate school.

McNair scholars are expected to enter high-quality graduate programs and achieve a doctorate. The goal of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is to increase higher education opportunities leading to doctoral attainment for students from groups underrepresented in graduate education.