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At Our Lady of the Lake University (º£½ÇÉçÇø), students don’t just prepare for graduation— they prepare for leadership, scholarship, and meaningful careers that shape the world. Through the University’s enrichment programs, ambitious students have the opportunity to go beyond the classroom and chart a course toward graduate school and research excellence. One of the most transformative of these opportunities is the McNair Scholars Program, a federally funded initiative that supports high-achieving students from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds as they pursue graduate-level education.

 

What Is the McNair Scholars Program?

Part of the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO programs, the McNair Scholars Program is named after Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and NASA astronaut who was tragically lost in the 1986 accident with the Challenger space shuttle. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students across the country who benefit from the academic, financial, and mentorship resources the program provides.

At º£½ÇÉçÇø, McNair Scholars receive individualized guidance as they prepare for graduate school, often becoming the first in their families to do so. Students selected for the program engage in high-impact research, work closely with faculty mentors, and gain exposure to graduate-level opportunities, including summer research internships and national conferences.

The program is open to undergraduate students in all majors who meet eligibility criteria related to income, first-generation status, or underrepresented group membership. However, it’s not just about checking boxes— º£½ÇÉçÇø’s McNair Scholars are curious, driven, and ready to take their education to the next level.

 

How McNair Supports Graduate School Goals

The McNair Scholars Program at º£½ÇÉçÇø is designed to demystify the path to graduate education. Scholars work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to develop a research project aligned with their academic and career interests. These projects often serve as valuable experience for graduate school applications and can lead to presentation opportunities at regional or national research conferences.

In addition to hands-on research, students participate in graduate school prep workshops, GRE prep courses, and receive guidance on selecting and applying to master’s or doctoral programs. The support is holistic, addressing not just academics but also financial literacy, time management, and confidence-building.

Perhaps most importantly, McNair students become part of a close-knit cohort of peers who are navigating the same challenges and working toward similar goals. That community makes a powerful difference, especially for students who may not have grown up envisioning themselves in graduate school.

 

How McNair Connects to Other Enrichment Opportunities at º£½ÇÉçÇø

The McNair Scholars Program is just one of several enrichment programs at º£½ÇÉçÇø that give students more agency over their academic experience. Students who are interested in McNair may also be drawn to the university’s Honors Program, which offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, leadership training, and travel opportunities. Some students even participate in both programs, building an academic experience that’s as robust as it is personalized.

For those eager to accelerate their academic progress, º£½ÇÉçÇø also offers accelerated degree programs, including fast-track options that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time and at a lower cost than traditional pathways. These programs are especially popular among high-performing students who already plan to pursue graduate school and want to make the most of their time at º£½ÇÉçÇø.

Together, these offerings create an ecosystem of support for students who are thinking big and dreaming even bigger.

 

Why º£½ÇÉçÇø?

So, what makes º£½ÇÉçÇø such a strong home for the McNair Scholars Program?

First, the university’s student-centered mission means faculty and staff are truly invested in student success. McNair mentors are not just assigned, but matched based on shared interests and a commitment to guiding students through the complexities of research and graduate admissions. The support is personal, consistent, and rooted in the values of equity and academic excellence.

Second, º£½ÇÉçÇø’s relatively small class sizes and tight-knit community make it easy for McNair Scholars to build relationships with professors, administrators, and peers. That kind of access is rare at larger institutions and can be especially valuable for students conducting research or seeking letters of recommendation for graduate school.

Finally, º£½ÇÉçÇø is located in San Antonio, a city with a thriving professional landscape, diverse culture, and strong community partnerships. McNair Scholars have access to a rich network of research sites, nonprofit organizations, and graduate programs across Texas and beyond.

 

Invest in Your Future

If you’re a driven student with dreams of earning a master’s or PhD, º£½ÇÉçÇø’s McNair Scholars Program can help turn your goals into a reality. With the guidance of faculty mentors, access to hands-on research, and a strong support network, you’ll be well-positioned to take the next step in your academic journey.

Explore more about the McNair Scholars Program at º£½ÇÉçÇø, and discover how enrichment programs, accelerated degree programs, and the honors program can open doors you might not have thought possible.