If you are interested in getting into science, engineering, technology, or math, but don’t know where to start, you might want to consider the Ronald McNair Program.
Named after the scientist and astronaut who died aboard the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986, this program helps to prepare future leaders in STEM fields by providing them with the right academic and financial support during college.
What can you expect from this program? Let’s take a closer look at what it is and how it can help you earn your degree in your chosen field of study.
I. Learn about the program
First, let’s start with some background on what Ronald McNair’s programs are. The National Science Foundation (NSF) created its McNair Scholars Program to make sure that students who want to pursue a Ph.D. in science or engineering have access to mentorship opportunities and resources.
Students gain additional skills in research, leadership, and community engagement. The NSF recognizes that low-income students typically don’t have access to informal networks at college campuses like high-income peers do; accordingly, they receive support as they navigate their way through graduate school an investment that pays off for everyone involved.
The program got its namesake from Dr. Ronald E. McNair, an African American physicist who died aboard Challenger space shuttle mission STS-51L in 1986. He was selected as one of 14 astronaut candidates by NASA in 1978 and was just 33 years old when he died during his second space flight. He earned his doctorate from MIT after completing his undergraduate degree at North Carolina A&T State University.
In addition to offering funding, mentorships, and other types of support, Ronald McNair Programs also give students exposure to scientific conferences where they can network with others working toward similar goals.
Many people find these events invaluable when planning their careers because they offer a chance to learn about new research happening across disciplines while also building relationships that could lead to future collaborations or job opportunities down the road.
Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Sponsored to Study Abroad
II. The application process
There are two ways to apply. The first is to apply for a job through a professor’s recommendation. Your professor will upload your application directly through our system. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an email notification letting you know that we have received your information. So it usually takes about 2-3 business days to process.
Please submit recommendations as soon as possible because there are a limited number of seats available, and seats tend to get snapped up fast. The first way to apply is by submitting an essay. The essay should be submitted either by email or through the post, whichever you feel more comfortable with.
Please send the essay and any additional materials to help us evaluate your application, such as a resume or transcript. Include “APPLICATION FOR THE RONALD MCDONNELL PROGRAM” in the subject line of all emails and letters.
III. How to make your scholarship essay stand out
It’s your turn now! Make a list of 10 things that would be interesting to know about your friends or family. List them in order of importance (1 being most important, 10 being least). Create an infographic that explains their responses to their top 5.
If there are any surprises in their responses, let them know and write an argumentative essay supporting your opinion on what they should do with those changes they’ve decided upon. For extra points, include each person’s top five items on a single sheet of paper using a nice border around each name so that everyone can have his/her own space. Have fun!
IV. How can you get involved in STEM with this program
1. Get involved with your school, there may be one at your high school.
2. Explore their website and social media platforms to learn more about STEM education in general as well as find opportunities to get involved at a level that suits you.
3. Network with other students who are also interested in STEM either through attending conferences or via social media outlets like Twitter.
4. Contact your local community college and ask if they have any programs that could help you prepare for higher education (i.e., take AP courses)
5. If possible, attend a national conference such as the National Society of Black Engineers Conference (NSBE), National Association of Women in Science Conference (NAWIC), etc…
6. Ask questions! If you don’t understand something, speak up! The worst thing someone can say is I don’t know but if they do know then they will explain what they do know.
7. Learn from others; listen to those who have been where you want to go.
8. Remember: You CAN DO IT!!!
Read Also: Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
V. Where do I go from here?
Congratulations on graduating! Don’t let your college experience go to waste; with an undergraduate degree in computer science from Embry-Riddle, you’ll be ready to enjoy a fulfilling career in one of today’s hottest industries. What should you do after graduation? Now what?
Your next steps may be any number of different and exciting things for a computer science graduate, but not all are the right option for you.
In fact, our students often ask us which path they should take when they start thinking about their future. It’s difficult because not all students have the same perfect career or route that suits them. We hope these suggestions provide some guidance to you as you select a path that best fits your goals and interests.
Conclusion
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to increase access to and completion of doctoral education among individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education.
The program awards fellowships that cover tuition, fees, room, board, books, health insurance coverage for a spouse or domestic partner and children (if applicable), a monthly stipend for up to nine months of study, eligibility for Graduate Assistantships during dissertation research, costs associated with fieldwork for degrees requiring such research experience in locations other than Rochester or Syracuse University campuses (e.g., at a partner site), travel expenses associated with attendance at conferences related to fieldwork requirements; emergency travel expenses; dependent care assistance; relocation expenses associated with obtaining or maintaining employment as well as professional skills training courses.