Grant Aimed At Drawing Students To Grad School


by Steve Sullivan
Iowa State has received an $800,000 grant to increase the 
number of students from low-income families and under-
represented groups pursuing graduate degrees.

The four-year, U.S. Department of Education grant will fund 
the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program 
for first-generation, low-income college students or college 
students from under-represented groups.

Thirty-five sophomores, juniors and seniors will be selected 
for the program each year, said George Jackson, assistant 
dean of the graduate college. Most will be chosen from ISU, 
although students at other state colleges and universities 
and African American land-grant colleges are eligible. 
Interested students should contact Jackson at 4-1386.

"Our goal is to increase the enrollment of individuals who 
are in fields in which low-income students and minorities 
have traditionally been under-represented in graduate 
education," Jackson said. "The McNair scholars will be paired 
with faculty mentors who will involve the students in 
research projects and give them an early introduction to the 
rigors of graduate school. Our ultimate hope is that McNair 
scholars will go on to earn doctorate degrees and pursue 
careers as college professors."

Students will be paired with faculty from the institutions at 
which they are enrolled, said Jackson. Though ISU is 
sponsoring the program, McNair scholars can enroll in any 
graduate program in the country, Jackson said.

Students will participate in summer and academic year 
internships and research activities that provide a $2,400 
stipend, faculty/staff mentoring, seminars, tutoring and 
informal monthly social and information sessions. The McNair 
scholars also will take a class designed to prepare them for 
academic success and help them secure financial assistance 
for graduate school, said Jackson.
"The key to the program's success will be the faculty 
mentors," Jackson said.


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contact:  Steve Sullivan, News Service, (515) 294-3720
updated:  9-29-95