McNair Scholars pose for a photo during the OGEEP Scholar's Symposium at the Penn Stater

McNair Scholars Program

Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to support undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in their pursuit of a Ph.D. The McNair Scholars program provides one-on-one support for undergraduate students and focuses on the knowledge and soft skills that are needed for successfully pursuing a Ph.D. The McNair Scholars program does not provide any financial support or scholarships.

The McNair Scholars program at Penn State is housed in the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs and has been at the University Park campus for more than 30 years.

Penn State McNair Scholars have access to:

  • Opportunities for research and other scholarly activities

  • Summer research internships

  • Seminars and other educational activities

  • Tutoring

  • Academic counseling

  • Assisting McNair scholars in securing admission to graduate programs

  • Mentoring

  • Exposure to cultural events and academic programs

30+

Years at the University Park Campus

70+

Penn State McNair alumni who have earned a Ph.D.

McNair Staff

Headshot of Curtis Price

Curtis Price

  • Director, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Headshot of Tammy Dudick

Tammy Dudick

  • Administrative Support Assistant
Headshot of Jon Tveite

Jon Tveite

  • Academic Coordinator, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Penn State shield logo featuring a stylized mountain lion in white and light blue on a blue to green gradient background.

McNair Scholars Program

111 Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Our office is across the lobby area from Panera Bread eatery.