Winthrop's Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program received its third
round of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education. This latest TRiO grant renewal contained a funding increase of nearly $6,000, bringing
the program's total award to $232,265 each year for five years. The Winthrop McNair Scholars program prepares 30 first generation, low-income, and
underrepresented undergraduates to be successful in Ph.D. programs. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Winthrop University's Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program received its third round of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
This latest TRiO grant renewal contained a funding increase of nearly $6,000, bringing the program's total award to $232,265 each year for five years. Winthrop
contributes $85,000 in cash and in-kind matches.
The McNair Scholars program is named for South Carolina native Ronald E. McNair who perished three decades ago in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, but his
name and legacy in education continues through the program.
The Winthrop McNair Scholars program, which began in 2009, prepares 30 first generation, low-income, and underrepresented undergraduates to be successful in Ph.D. programs by providing research and other opportunities
as well as financial support throughout the graduate admissions process. Winthrop's
program includes, but is not limited to, a paid summer research experience, faculty
mentoring, workshops, GRE and graduate school application preparation, and travel
to present research and explore graduate programs.
"Winthrop is uniquely poised to provide the high-quality undergraduate research experiences
and other McNair services," said McNair Scholars Director Cheryl Fortner-Wood. "McNair is a natural extension of the great work Winthrop's talented faculty, supportive
administration, and committed staff are already doing to grow cohorts of future professors,
scientists and leaders. We're grateful to have the opportunity to continue these experiences for our students with this latest grant renewal."
The McNair Scholars program has served more than 110 students since its inception. The university offers its McNair services to students at other South Carolina colleges
and universities because it is one of only two universities in the state that houses the McNair program. One College of Charleston student is currently participating in Winthrop's McNair
Scholars program.
Students have nothing but praise for the McNair Scholars program. One student recently
said: "I've seen the good McNair can do for their scholars. McNair has changed my entire life's path, and has given me opportunities I would not have had without a program like this.
McNair allowed me to see firsthand that I have potential; something that so many others
overlooked. I can say with 100% confidence that had it not been for the McNair program,
I would most certainty not be going to [an Ivy League School] for a master's program.
McNair made that possible for me. The program provided me with experiences that you
can't put a price tag on."
For more information on the McNair Scholars program, please contact Fortner-Wood at 803/323-2641 or e-mail fortnerc@winthrop.edu.
