Skip to main content

TRIO McNair Scholars Program

The Pitt TRIO McNair Scholars Program, a grant funded program from the U.S. Department of Education, will provide a rich diversity of structured educational experiences that are designed to motivate, prepare, and support first-generation, limited-income, and underrepresented minority college students in their efforts to pursue postbaccalaureate degrees.

Through training, a supportive environment, and educational experiences, the program will strengthen academic skills, cultivate scholarly pursuit, and build a foundation for success in graduate school.

Check out the student profiles of our 2023 Senior Class of the TRIO McNair Scholars >>

McNair Flyer

View text version of flyer image

Eligibility

Pitt students interested in applying to the McNair Scholars Program must meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate interest in obtaining a PhD or EdD degree.
  • Qualify as either:
    • a first-generation college student and/or
    • a low-income college student as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and/or
    • be a member of a group that is underrepresented (Black/African American, Chicano/Latino, Native American/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students) in graduate education.
  • Have a 2.75 minimum cumulative Pitt GPA by the end of the semester when applying.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident.
  • Be enrolled at Pitt during the semester when applying.

The program is open to all majors/disciplines.

Application Steps & Requirements

Step 1

Review the eligibility requirements for the McNair Scholars Program.

Step 2

Fill out our intake form.

Step 3

Gather your application materials:

  • Tax Returns
    • You will need to utilize your or your family's tax return to answer the financial questions.
    • Applicants that are selected as a finalist and invited to interview must submit their previous year's tax return and/or their FAFSA Student Aid Report to the McNair Team before their interview.
  • One Letter of Recommendation (from faculty member)
    • Please instruct the faculty member to email the letter of recommendation directly to Natasha Williams, Academic Coordinator of the TRIO McNair Program at natasha.williams@pitt.edu.

Interested in applying?

Fill out our intake form, and someone will be in touch to talk about the process of applying!

Complete the intake form >>

Questions? 

Email Natasha Williams 
Academic Coordinator, TRIO McNair Scholars Program
natasha.williams@pitt.edu