- 2025 Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- TRIO Maps Home Page (We encourage you to bookmark the TRIO Maps Home Page, to more easily access the maps and for updates.)
- Letter to TRIO and GEAR UP programs' project directors about an ED and HHS collaborative for disconnected youth (MS Word, 76k)
Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs
CFDA Number: 84.217A
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: McNair, TRIO (McNair is one of eight TRIO programs.)
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements. Institutions encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.
All McNair projects must provide the following activities: opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities: education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students.
Who May Apply: Institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions of higher education
Students who qualify for McNair must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. In all projects, at least two-thirds of the participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants may be from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education.
Timeline
Current Competition: FY 2022
Applications available: March 9, 2022
Application deadline: April 25, 2022
Federal Register Notices
Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2022 dated March 9, 2022 | PDF
Current Application
FY 2022 McNair Application Instructions: MS Word (302K)
All applicants are required to submit an application online through Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by federal and other grant-making agencies.
Through Grants.gov you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number 84.217. If you experience problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, refer to the Support page and/or contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. For program-specific questions, contact the program office below.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) by contacting the program contact person listed in this section.
Application Contacts
Carmen Gordon, 202-453-7311
Office of Federal TRIO Programs
U. S. Department of Education, OPE
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
FY 2024
Projects funded for 2024-25: PDF (142K)
FY 2023
Projects funded for 2023-24: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2022
Projects funded for 2022-23: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2021
Projects funded for 2021-22: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2020
Projects funded for 2020-21: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2019
Projects funded for 2019-20: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2018
Projects funded for 2018-19: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2017
Projects funded for 2017-18: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2016
Projects funded for 2016-17: MS Excel (46K)
FY 2015
Projects funded for 2015-16: MS Excel (45K) | PDF (271K)
FY 2014
Projects funded for 2014-15: MS Excel (51K) | PDF (269K)
FY 2013
Projects funded for 2013-14: 
MS Excel (44K)
FY 2012
Projects funded for 2012-13: MS Excel (45K) | PDF (274K)
FY 2023
Funding Allocation for McNair: $60,801,067
Number of Awards: 216
Number of Participants: 5,935
Average Award: $281,486
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant: $10,244
FY 2022
Funding Allocation for McNair: $56,378,254
Number of Awards: 206
Number of Participants: 5,677
Average Award: $273,681
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,931
FY 2021
Funding Allocation for McNair: $49,824,230
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $266,440
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,505
FY 2020
Funding Allocation for McNair: $51,778,211
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $276,889
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,878
FY 2019
Funding Allocation for McNair: $50,027,266
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $267,525
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,544
FY 2018
Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,872,986
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $256,005
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,133
FY 2017
Funding Allocation for McNair: $45,896,206
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,234
Average Award: $245,434
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $8,769
FY 2016
Funding Allocation for McNair: $36,589,491
Number of Awards: 151
Number of Participants: 4,338
Average Award: $242,315
Average Number of Participants: 29
Average Cost per Participant: $8,435
FY 2015
Funding Allocation for McNair: $35,701,197
Number of Awards: 151
Number of Participants: 4,293
Average Award: $236,432
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,316
FY 2014
Funding Allocation for McNair: $35,600,323
Number of Awards: 151
Number of Participants: 4,293
Average Award: $235,764
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,293
FY 2013
Funding Allocation for McNair: $34,060,382
Number of Awards: 152
Number of Participants: 4,190
Average Award: $224,081
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,129
FY 2012
Funding Allocation for McNair: $37,270,374
Number of Awards: 158
Number of Participants: 4,482
Average Award: $235,888
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,316
FY 2011
Funding Allocation for McNair: $46,118,554
Number of Awards: 200
Number of Participants: 5,419
Average Award: $230,593
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,511
FY 2010
Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,373,968
Number of Awards: 200
Number of Participants: 5,419
Average Award: $236,870
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,742
FY 2009
Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,298,189
Number of Awards: 200
Number of Participants: 5,430
Average Award: $236,491
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,711
FY 2008
Funding Allocation for McNair: $44,326,656
Number of Awards: 185
Number of Participants: 5,067
Average Award: $239,604
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,748
FY 2007
Funding Allocation for McNair: $45,604,173
Number of Awards: 190
Number of Participants: 5,210
Average Award: $240,022
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,753
Note: Two grants were funded with FY 2008 funds.
FY 2006
Funding Allocation for McNair: $41,714,498
Number of Awards: 177
Number of Participants: 4,186
Average Award: $235,675
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant : $9,965
FY 2005
Funding Allocation for McNair: $41,934,925
Number of Awards: 178
Number of Participants: 4,236
Average Award: $235,589
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant: $9,900
FY 2004
Funding Allocation for McNair: $42,092,721
Number of Awards: 179
Number of Participants: 4,133
Average Award: $235,155
Average Number of Participants: 23
Average Cost per Participant: $10,185
FY 2003
Funding Allocation for McNair: $41,885,612
Number of Awards: 179
Number of Participants: 4,118
Average Award: $233,998
Average Number of Participants: 23
Average Cost per Participant: $10,171
FY 2002
Funding Allocation for McNair: $38,357,300
Number of Awards: 156
Number of Participants: 3,774
Average Award: $245,880
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant: $10,164
The FY 2002 funding includes $1,560,000 for one-time supplemental grants of $10,000 per project for technology.
FY 2001
Funding Allocation for McNair: $35,785,817
Number of Awards: 156
Number of Participants: 3,774
Average Award: $229,396
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant: $9,558
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402D; 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14 MS Word (217K) | PDF (188K)
- Legislation for SSS Grant Aid MS Word (22K)
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the McNair program regulations. [ PDF]
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 647
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
- Uniform Guidance Information for ED Grantees -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards: The Department has worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The old rules do not change — they are simply repackaged and enhanced to reduce burden on grantees. The new combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200. The new guidance will take effect for recipients of Federal funds for awards made on or after December 26, 2014. The new regulations do not impact any Department of Education awards received prior to this date.
- Current Low-Income Levels
- Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
- Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Applicant and Grantee Resources
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2019-20 PDF (1.1M)
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2002-05 Facts and Figures at a Glance PDF (261K) | MS Word (785K)
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1997-1998 Through 2001-2002 MS Word (586K) | PDF (382K)
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1999-00 PDF (382K)
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1998-99 PDF (606K)
Key Staff
ReShone More, Ph.D.,
Division Director, (202) 453-7624
reshone.moore@ed.gov
Mailing Address:
Federal TRIO Programs
U.S. Department of Education, OPE
Higher Education Programs
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Mail Stop LBJ 2- 261-05
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
Student Service Organizational Directory
Staff Assignments by State
| Program Specialist | State Assignment |
|---|---|
| Carmen Gordon, Program Lead 202-453-7311 carmen.gordon@ed.gov | Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Washington |
| Eric Lange, Ed.D. 202-453-5882 eric.lange@ed.gov | Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Rebecca Ell 202-453-6348 rebecca.ell@ed.gov | Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia |
| Suzanne Ulmer 202-453-7691 suzanne.ulmer@ed.gov | Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia |
 | Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section. |
- What is the purpose of the McNair program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. What is the purpose of the McNair program?
The purpose of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program is to award grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study.
TOP
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
All McNair projects must provide the following activities: opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities: education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural activities.
TOP
3. How often are competitions generally held?
Competitions for new awards are held every five years.
TOP
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All McNair Program grant awards are made for five-year grant award cycles.
TOP
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average McNair Program grant is approximately $220,000 per year to provide services to a minimum of 24 students per year.
TOP
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
There is no cost matching requirement for the McNair Program.
TOP
7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All McNair Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the number of McNair participants who complete research or other scholarly activities and continue in their undergraduate program or enroll in a graduate program in the subsequent academic year; who attain baccalaureate degrees; who enroll in postbaccalaureate programs; and who attain doctoral degrees. The Department of Education will aggregate the data provided in the annual performance reports from all grantees to determine the accomplishment level.
TOP
8. Are there program-wide performance measures?
The specific performance measure for the McNair Program is the increase in the percentage of McNair Program participants who enroll in and persist in graduate school.
TOP
9. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
Research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs; education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students; and exposure to cultural activities.
Coming in February 2025: 2023 - 2024 McNair Program Annual Performance Report Data Collection
The information below is for Reference Only.
2022-2023 McNair Annual Performance Report
Deadline: To Be Determined
| Text Documents | APR Web Site | Help Desk | Program Specialists |
Text Documents
- Letter to McNair Project Directors, January 2024
MS Word (168K)
- APR Instructions for Completing the 2022-23 Annual Performance Report:
- Sections I and II of the report form (Section I - project identifying information; and Section II - record structure for the participant list:
- Policies and Procedures for Prior Experience (PE) Assessments - Appendix to the APR report:
- Click here for the Quick Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
- Click here for the Detailed Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
APR Web Site
As of TBD, you may access the online TRIO APR Web Portal:
McNair Online Performance Report Application: https://trio.ed.gov/
Help Desk
If you are having technical problems accessing the Web site or using the Web applications, please contact the Help Desk by telephone at (703) 885-8008 or via e-mail at TRIO@helpdesk.thetactilegroup.com. The Help Desk will contact you within two business days.
Program Specialists
Please contact the program office directly if you have questions requiring policy clarifications or interpretations of the data requirements of the report. See below for a list of staff assignments by state.
| Program Specialist | State Assignment |
|---|---|
| Carmen Gordon, Program Lead 202-453-7311 carmen.gordon@ed.gov | Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Washington |
| Eric Lange, Ed.D. 202-453-5882 eric.lange@ed.gov | Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Rebecca Ell 202-453-6348 rebecca.ell@ed.gov | Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia |
| Suzanne Ulmer 202-453-7691 suzanne.ulmer@ed.gov | Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia |
- 2025 Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- TRIO Maps Home Page (We encourage you to bookmark the TRIO Maps Home Page, to more easily access the maps and for updates.)
- Letter to TRIO and GEAR UP programs' project directors about an ED and HHS collaborative for disconnected youth (MS Word, 76k)
Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs
CFDA Number: 84.217A
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: McNair, TRIO (McNair is one of eight TRIO programs.)
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements. Institutions encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.
All McNair projects must provide the following activities: opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities: education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students.
Who May Apply: Institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions of higher education
Students who qualify for McNair must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. In all projects, at least two-thirds of the participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants may be from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education.
Timeline
Current Competition: FY 2022
Applications available: March 9, 2022
Application deadline: April 25, 2022
Federal Register Notices
Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2022 dated March 9, 2022 | PDF
Current Application
FY 2022 McNair Application Instructions: MS Word (302K)
All applicants are required to submit an application online through Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by federal and other grant-making agencies.
Through Grants.gov you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number 84.217. If you experience problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, refer to the Support page and/or contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. For program-specific questions, contact the program office below.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) by contacting the program contact person listed in this section.
Application Contacts
Carmen Gordon, 202-453-7311
Office of Federal TRIO Programs
U. S. Department of Education, OPE
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
FY 2024
Projects funded for 2024-25: PDF (142K)
FY 2023
Projects funded for 2023-24: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2022
Projects funded for 2022-23: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2021
Projects funded for 2021-22: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2020
Projects funded for 2020-21: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2019
Projects funded for 2019-20: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2018
Projects funded for 2018-19: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2017
Projects funded for 2017-18: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2016
Projects funded for 2016-17: MS Excel (46K)
FY 2015
Projects funded for 2015-16: MS Excel (45K) | PDF (271K)
FY 2014
Projects funded for 2014-15: MS Excel (51K) | PDF (269K)
FY 2013
Projects funded for 2013-14: MS Excel (44K)
FY 2012
Projects funded for 2012-13: MS Excel (45K) | PDF (274K)
FY 2023
Funding Allocation for McNair: $60,801,067
Number of Awards: 216
Number of Participants: 5,935
Average Award: $281,486
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant: $10,244
FY 2022
Funding Allocation for McNair: $56,378,254
Number of Awards: 206
Number of Participants: 5,677
Average Award: $273,681
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,931
FY 2021
Funding Allocation for McNair: $49,824,230
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $266,440
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,505
FY 2020
Funding Allocation for McNair: $51,778,211
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $276,889
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,878
FY 2019
Funding Allocation for McNair: $50,027,266
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $267,525
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,544
FY 2018
Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,872,986
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,242
Average Award: $256,005
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $9,133
FY 2017
Funding Allocation for McNair: $45,896,206
Number of Awards: 187
Number of Participants: 5,234
Average Award: $245,434
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant: $8,769
FY 2016
Funding Allocation for McNair: $36,589,491
Number of Awards: 151
Number of Participants: 4,338
Average Award: $242,315
Average Number of Participants: 29
Average Cost per Participant: $8,435
FY 2015
Funding Allocation for McNair: $35,701,197
Number of Awards: 151
Number of Participants: 4,293
Average Award: $236,432
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,316
FY 2014
Funding Allocation for McNair: $35,600,323
Number of Awards: 151
Number of Participants: 4,293
Average Award: $235,764
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,293
FY 2013
Funding Allocation for McNair: $34,060,382
Number of Awards: 152
Number of Participants: 4,190
Average Award: $224,081
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,129
FY 2012
Funding Allocation for McNair: $37,270,374
Number of Awards: 158
Number of Participants: 4,482
Average Award: $235,888
Average Number of Participants: 28
Average Cost per Participant : $8,316
FY 2011
Funding Allocation for McNair: $46,118,554
Number of Awards: 200
Number of Participants: 5,419
Average Award: $230,593
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,511
FY 2010
Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,373,968
Number of Awards: 200
Number of Participants: 5,419
Average Award: $236,870
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,742
FY 2009
Funding Allocation for McNair: $47,298,189
Number of Awards: 200
Number of Participants: 5,430
Average Award: $236,491
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,711
FY 2008
Funding Allocation for McNair: $44,326,656
Number of Awards: 185
Number of Participants: 5,067
Average Award: $239,604
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,748
FY 2007
Funding Allocation for McNair: $45,604,173
Number of Awards: 190
Number of Participants: 5,210
Average Award: $240,022
Average Number of Participants: 27
Average Cost per Participant : $8,753
Note: Two grants were funded with FY 2008 funds.
FY 2006
Funding Allocation for McNair: $41,714,498
Number of Awards: 177
Number of Participants: 4,186
Average Award: $235,675
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant : $9,965
FY 2005
Funding Allocation for McNair: $41,934,925
Number of Awards: 178
Number of Participants: 4,236
Average Award: $235,589
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant: $9,900
FY 2004
Funding Allocation for McNair: $42,092,721
Number of Awards: 179
Number of Participants: 4,133
Average Award: $235,155
Average Number of Participants: 23
Average Cost per Participant: $10,185
FY 2003
Funding Allocation for McNair: $41,885,612
Number of Awards: 179
Number of Participants: 4,118
Average Award: $233,998
Average Number of Participants: 23
Average Cost per Participant: $10,171
FY 2002
Funding Allocation for McNair: $38,357,300
Number of Awards: 156
Number of Participants: 3,774
Average Award: $245,880
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant: $10,164
The FY 2002 funding includes $1,560,000 for one-time supplemental grants of $10,000 per project for technology.
FY 2001
Funding Allocation for McNair: $35,785,817
Number of Awards: 156
Number of Participants: 3,774
Average Award: $229,396
Average Number of Participants: 24
Average Cost per Participant: $9,558
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402D; 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14 MS Word (217K) | PDF (188K)
- Legislation for SSS Grant Aid MS Word (22K)
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the McNair program regulations. [ PDF]
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 647
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
- Uniform Guidance Information for ED Grantees -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards: The Department has worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The old rules do not change — they are simply repackaged and enhanced to reduce burden on grantees. The new combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200. The new guidance will take effect for recipients of Federal funds for awards made on or after December 26, 2014. The new regulations do not impact any Department of Education awards received prior to this date.
- Current Low-Income Levels
- Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
- Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Applicant and Grantee Resources
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2019-20 PDF (1.1M)
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2002-05 Facts and Figures at a Glance PDF (261K) | MS Word (785K)
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1997-1998 Through 2001-2002 MS Word (586K) | PDF (382K)
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1999-00 PDF (382K)
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1998-99 PDF (606K)
Key Staff
ReShone More, Ph.D.,
Division Director, (202) 453-7624
reshone.moore@ed.gov
Mailing Address:
Federal TRIO Programs
U.S. Department of Education, OPE
Higher Education Programs
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Mail Stop LBJ 2- 261-05
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
Student Service Organizational Directory
Staff Assignments by State
| Program Specialist | State Assignment |
|---|---|
| Carmen Gordon, Program Lead 202-453-7311 carmen.gordon@ed.gov | Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Washington |
| Eric Lange, Ed.D. 202-453-5882 eric.lange@ed.gov | Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Rebecca Ell 202-453-6348 rebecca.ell@ed.gov | Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia |
| Suzanne Ulmer 202-453-7691 suzanne.ulmer@ed.gov | Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia |
| Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section. |
- What is the purpose of the McNair program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. What is the purpose of the McNair program?
The purpose of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program is to award grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study.
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2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
All McNair projects must provide the following activities: opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities: education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural activities.
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3. How often are competitions generally held?
Competitions for new awards are held every five years.
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4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All McNair Program grant awards are made for five-year grant award cycles.
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5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average McNair Program grant is approximately $220,000 per year to provide services to a minimum of 24 students per year.
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6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
There is no cost matching requirement for the McNair Program.
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7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All McNair Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the number of McNair participants who complete research or other scholarly activities and continue in their undergraduate program or enroll in a graduate program in the subsequent academic year; who attain baccalaureate degrees; who enroll in postbaccalaureate programs; and who attain doctoral degrees. The Department of Education will aggregate the data provided in the annual performance reports from all grantees to determine the accomplishment level.
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8. Are there program-wide performance measures?
The specific performance measure for the McNair Program is the increase in the percentage of McNair Program participants who enroll in and persist in graduate school.
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9. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
Research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs; education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students; and exposure to cultural activities.
Coming in February 2025: 2023 - 2024 McNair Program Annual Performance Report Data Collection
The information below is for Reference Only.
2022-2023 McNair Annual Performance Report
Deadline: To Be Determined
| Text Documents | APR Web Site | Help Desk | Program Specialists |
Text Documents
- Letter to McNair Project Directors, January 2024
- APR Instructions for Completing the 2022-23 Annual Performance Report:
- Sections I and II of the report form (Section I - project identifying information; and Section II - record structure for the participant list:
- Policies and Procedures for Prior Experience (PE) Assessments - Appendix to the APR report:
- Click here for the Quick Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
- Click here for the Detailed Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
APR Web Site
As of TBD, you may access the online TRIO APR Web Portal:
McNair Online Performance Report Application: https://trio.ed.gov/
Help Desk
If you are having technical problems accessing the Web site or using the Web applications, please contact the Help Desk by telephone at (703) 885-8008 or via e-mail at TRIO@helpdesk.thetactilegroup.com. The Help Desk will contact you within two business days.
Program Specialists
Please contact the program office directly if you have questions requiring policy clarifications or interpretations of the data requirements of the report. See below for a list of staff assignments by state.
| Program Specialist | State Assignment |
|---|---|
| Carmen Gordon, Program Lead 202-453-7311 carmen.gordon@ed.gov | Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Washington |
| Eric Lange, Ed.D. 202-453-5882 eric.lange@ed.gov | Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Rebecca Ell 202-453-6348 rebecca.ell@ed.gov | Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia |
| Suzanne Ulmer 202-453-7691 suzanne.ulmer@ed.gov | Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia |