The McNair Scholars Program was established in memory of physicist and Challenger Astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair. It is one of several TRIO programs funded by the Department of Education supporting the academic achievement of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The UCSB McNair Scholars Program is funded by a 5- year grant from the U.S. Department of Education with additional support by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the deans of the College of Letters and Sciences and the College of Engineering.
Mission
Our mission is to achieve equitable access to higher education and promote the success of diverse and underrepresented populations by demystifying academia’s “hidden curriculum.” To do so, we provide student-centered, holistic mentoring within a culturally relevant context designed to increase students’ academic, professional, and personal growth. We offer one-on- one mentoring, cohort-based seminars, and resources to build confidence and strengthen the purpose and vision of our students for research-based careers. To achieve our goals, we work in community and in partnerships with campus organizations and individuals benefiting the needs of our students.
Core Values
- We believe in research to effect academic, professional, and personal growth.
- We provide the tools to build self-efficacy and empowerment.
- We value diversity and promote equity.
- We work in community and for social justice.
About Ronald E. McNair
Ronald E. McNair, an African-American engineer, scientist and Challenger Astronaut, was born on October 12, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. McNair was the son of an auto mechanic. His perseverance in the face of poverty and prejudice led him to successful completion of his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in physics from North Carolina A&T State University in 1971. Five years later, at age 26, he earned a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dr. McNair became a nationally recognized expert in laser physics while on the staff of Hughes Research Laboratory and received many honorary degrees, fellowships and commendations. His achievements were not limited to academia. He was a fifth-degree black belt in karate and was an accomplished saxophonist.
In 1978, Dr. McNair was selected for participation in NASA’s space shuttle program and became the second African American astronaut in U.S. history. He served as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Challenger and died along with the rest of its crew when the space shuttle exploded nine miles above the Atlantic on January 28, 1986.
The McNair Scholars program is dedicated to preserving Dr. McNair’s legacy of scholarship and accomplishments. The UC Santa Barbara McNair Scholars Program is fully supported by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the deans of the College of Letters and Sciences and the College of Engineering.
Click here to watch the Ronald McNair StoryCorps short video