McNair Research Scholars Program

The UCLA McNair Research Scholars Program was established in 2003. The program applies Critical Race Theory as it prepares participants to become change agents within academia and beyond; our motto is "Transform the Academy." Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 26 juniors and seniors. UCLA McNair Research Scholars are selected from a variety of disciplines in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The UCLA McNair program particularly attracts young scholars who are committed to social change and who use scholarship and research as a means to achieve social justice; UCLA McNair alumni work in a variety of professional positions that advance a social justice agenda.

Participants complete a comprehensive and rigorous two-year academic program under the supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Director and at least two Graduate Mentors. During their first year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the UCLA Student Research Program (SRP) under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Student participants also meet weekly with Graduate Mentors in a seminar format.

In the summer between their first and second years, McNair Scholars participate in the UCLA McNair Summer Research Institute. The six-week program includes workshops and seminars on academic career opportunities, standardized test preparation, writing and research skills, writing a statement of purpose, obtaining letters of recommendation, and completing the graduate school application process. In addition, McNair Scholars begin their independent research projects and present their current findings at the UCLA Summer Symposium. Additionally, every scholar has the opportunity to donate her or his research materials and senior thesis to the Southern California Library.

Click here to view the McNair Senior Fall 2009 syllabus.

The 2009 Scholars Symposium afforded Scholars the opportunity to present the results of their research projects in an academic venue. During the course of the symposium, McNair Scholars presented the culmination of their research before an audience of academics, peers, friends and relatives.