A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Biennial Evaluation Report - FY 93-94

Chapter 537

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

(CFDA No. 84.217)

I. Program Profile

Legislation: Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, Title IV, Part A (U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-15) (expires September 30, 1997).

Purpose: To improve effective preparation for doctoral study to low-income, first-generation college students, or students from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education. Participants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an eligible institution of higher education.

Funding History

Fiscal Year	Appropriation 1/
1989	$1,482,000
1990	3,000,000
1991	4,944,000
1992	576,000
1993	9,598,000
1994	11,900,000

1/ The allocations represent the amount allocated administratively by the Department of Education from funds appropriated jointly for all six Federal TRIO programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, and the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel.

II. Program Information and Analysis

Population Targeting

Program participation is limited to low-income, first-generation college students, or students from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education. In any given project, two-thirds of the participants must be both low-income and first-generation college students. Each grantee determines whether to serve undergraduate or graduate students. Forthcoming regulations will specify criteria for identifying which groups may be considered "underrepresented" in graduate education.

Services

The 68 projects currently funded under the McNair program provide a range of support services that include but are not limited to: opportunities for research, summer internships, tutorial services, academic counseling, seminars, assistance in obtaining student financial aid, assistance in securing admission for enrollment in graduate programs, mentoring, and participating in cultural events. Students may also receive stipends not to exceed $2,400 a year if they have completed their sophomore year and are engaged in research.

	FY 1993
Number of new projects	0
Number of continuation projects	68
Average award	$142,965
Number of persons served	1,732
Average Federal cost per participant	$5,719

Program Administration

The McNair projects may only be sponsored by institutions of higher education. Future competitions for funding will be held every 4 years. Subsequent funding is based on approval of a non-competing continuation application.

Prior experience points will be earned by grant applicants that have conducted a McNair project within three prior years of the next competition, in FY 1995.

Management Improvement Strategies

In the past, the Department has proposed that the McNair and the Minority Participation in Graduate Education programs be consolidated.

III. Sources of Information

Program files.

IV. Planned Studies

None.

V. Contacts for Further Information

Program Operations:: May Weaver (202) 708-4804
Program Studies:: David Goodwin, (202) 401-0182

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