TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy’s Trio Programs launched the start of a lunch and learn series explaining what the McNair scholars program is.

The program is aimed at first-generation college students interested in graduate programs. The program aims to help these students achieve their higher education goals.

“The McNair Scholars Program helps undergraduate students learn about research and produce research outcomes such as poster presentations or research articles that can be published, and that really helps you get into graduate school and into your PhD,” said Dr. Retisha Warr, an assistant professor of social work. “In essence, if you’re a 1st-generation, low-income college student, then it’s an excellent opportunity to apply.”

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The eligibility requirements to be a McNair Scholar include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
• Must be determined to pursue a doctoral program
• Must be a Troy University undergraduate with a minimum of 30 credit hours
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Must be a first-generation, low-income, and/or a member of an underrepresented group

For Dr. Warr, the program holds special meaning because she was a McNair Scholar at Texas Woman’s University.

“Once I was accepted, it allowed me to learn about research, which was absolutely not a thing that I thought I would be doing in my undergrad,” Warr said. “It financially supported me not only in my undergraduate degree, but in my master’s and my PhD.”

The program has benefits for the members who choose to join, including:

• Academic counseling
• Graduate school assistance
• GRE preparation
• Graduate school application fee waivers
• Faculty-guided research experience
• Meritorious research stipends
• Cultural enrichment opportunities
• Research travel opportunities

One student told TrojanVision the McNair Scholars Program could be the next challenge she hopes to meet.

“I will go through that application process,” said freshman Kamsiyochukwu Azogini. “I’ve heard that it’s really challenging, but I’ve never been afraid of a challenge before, and I hope to apply as soon as possible and meet with some of the other mentors.”

The next McNair Lunch-N-Learn series will be in room 218 in Trojan Dining Hall on Sep. 30th at 12:15 p.m. Speaking at this event will be Dr. Miguel Duran and Marquis Reynolds, both of whom are Troy University McNair Scholars.