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The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

St. Lawrence was awarded a grant in 2003 through the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Award Program, which is aimed at encouraging students in underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies and is one of the U.S. Department of Education Federal TRIO Programs. Named for Astronaut Ronald E. McNair, who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion, the program was launched in 1989 and exists at more than 150 colleges and universities across the country. St. Lawrence's McNair Program, titled "Exploration, Nurturing and Commitment to Excellence on the Way to the Ph.D.," is designed to increase the number of talented students from under-represented groups in continuing their education, with the goal of achieving the doctoral degree. Among the groups considered underrepresented in doctoral programs are African Americans; Hispanic Americans; Native Americans; and those from economically disadvantaged families who are first-generation college students. The St. Lawrence McNair Program will encourage the pursuit of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. by involving students in multiple research-intensive experiences and extensive advising by faculty mentors. In addition, students named McNair Scholars receive grant-funded stipends for their research work and increased opportunities to visit graduate schools and attend professional conferences, among other benefits.

Federal TRIO Programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.