Why You Should Encourage Your Students to Consider McNair

By: Miaisha Peoples Miller

For those unfamiliar with it, the McNair Scholars Program is a prestigious government-funded program that assists high-achieving undergraduate students who want to pursue graduate studies in the near future through academic and social support. McNair has been in existence since 1989 (there are now a total of 216 McNair programs) and came to the campus of EMU in 2007.

During our years at EMU, McNair has worked with more than 250 students! McNair specifically works with students who are first-generation college/low-income, and underrepresented students in their respective fields. This program enhances educational opportunities and equity for students from marginalized communities in many ways. 

We help our students achieve this by way of research opportunities including but not limited to funding, being published in our McNair Journal, stipends, and faculty mentorship. We also travel with our students and give them culturally enriching opportunities to learn and grow while assisting them with navigating the graduate school application process. Many of our students go on to obtain their graduate/doctoral degrees while being fully funded. These students often give back by way of mentorship and giving time to their respective former departments. These students often credit their faculty mentors when they present their work at conferences and EMU's own Undergraduate Symposium.

Our students reap the benefits of the following, which can also be seen in their classrooms and research efforts across campus: 

• Travel to visit prospective graduate schools

• Graduate School Application Workshops

• Preparation for the GRE

• Travel to professional conferences

• Assistance with graduate admissions essays

• Cultural excursions and trips

• Research stipend (up to $2800)

• Research budget (up to $500)

• Weekly seminars to enhance research and writing skills

• Opportunities to conduct research with a faculty mentor

• Individualized advising and academic support

• Publish in the McNair Scholars Research Journal

I am pleased to share with you one account of one of our Scholar’s experiences with McNair. Victoria Huguley is a current McNair scholar. An EMU senior, Victoria double majors in English and African American Studies. She was introduced to McNair in her sophomore year and fully joined the program in her junior year. Raised in Detroit by a single mother and being first generation, Victoria went to college without any guidance, believing she, like many others, would have to figure everything out by herself. It wasn’t until her advisor suggested joining the program that her perception changed. Deeply interested in research, Victoria was able to expand her horizons, work closely with the faculty, and form bonds with other scholars. 

One benefit of being a McNair scholar that surprised Victoria was the opportunity to attend and present at conferences throughout America. In July 2024, UCLA held their annual McNair conference. Victoria (after some heavy persuasion from peers and faculty alike) attended. Not only was the experience educational in an academic sense, but Victoria was able to create connections with various graduate/PhD programs, and also explore California without any stress, something she admits she would never have been able to do without this opportunity.

Even during hardship, the McNair staff and her mentor have been a constant source of support and motivation. Victoria recalls being heavily criticized growing up for her passions. Now, she is surrounded by like-minded individuals and those interested in her success. Victoria now has the confidence to stand up for herself, understands the value of connections, and most importantly, is excited to continue her academic journey. 

How can you help?

You can become a faculty mentor if one of your students approaches you with the opportunity, or write letters of recommendation for students who may ask you to do so. We would love for you to help us spread the word about the McNair Scholars Program to your outstanding students! You can do so by informing them/referring them to the program during office hours or allowing me and my Director, Dr. Kimberly Brown, to come and speak to your students during one of your class sessions (briefly, of course).

If willing and interested, please let us know, and we will set up a time to coordinate a visit to your classroom or give you mini flyers to pass out to your students that you think may be a good fit! 

You can find more information about the program on our website.

Please reach out to emu_mcnair@emich.edu with any questions or concerns you may have about your students potentially joining the program!  We hope that you will consider giving your students information about this wonderful program!

*McNair student presenting at annual conference, 2024