B.E.T. McNair Scholars

B.E.T McNair. Belong, Engage, Thrive. “I urge you to go forth with the knowledge that you are better than good enough” Dr. Ronald E. McNair.

Program Description

BET McNair Award #P217A220220, sponsored by the Department of Education, actively encourages, supports, and prepares students with demonstrated potential toward higher education as the pathway to equal opportunity.

The BET McNair Scholars Program provides STEM* graduate school preparation to low income first time-first year students and first year transfer students who are historically underrepresented including one on one mentorship, self developmental workshops, research, and internships to address barriers to higher education.

*STEM at CSUEB includes biochemistry, biological science, chemistry, computer engineering, computer science,environmental science, geology, industrial engineering, kinesiology, mathematics, physics, psychology, speech pathology & audiology, and statistics.

Program Details

Students, you are eligible to apply to the BET McNair Program if you are:
  • First-generation, low income, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8, and/or,
  • Are a racially or ethnically underrepresented student and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 
First-generation = Neither or your parents or caretaker(s) completed college.
Low-income = You do not live with, or you are financially independent from your parent(s) or caretaker(s) (i.e., you file your taxes separate from your parent(s)/caretaker(s)), and you meet the federal government's designation for low income. Check these guidelines to determine if you meet the low income criteria. "Family unit" is 1 if you live by yourself or with roommates, 2 if you live with your domestic partner or marriage partner, 3+ if you live with your domestic partner or marriage partner and have dependents.
Underrepresented in higher education = You identify as Black or African American, Chicano(a) or Mexican American, Latino(a) or Hispanic American, Native American, American Indian, Native Alaskan, or Pacific Islander

  • Being a part of a diverse, supportive, learning community
  • One-to-one relationship with faculty mentor and discipline advisor
  • Connections with goal-oriented students with a similar background
  • Workshops, courses, and seminars on topics related to graduate school preparation
  • A paid summer research experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor
  • Opportunities to present research at national conferences
  • Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs
  • Tutoring
  • Academic and career counseling

Currently accepting interest forms for the 2023 cohort. To apply, fill out the interest form. Based on meeting eligibility requirements you will be invited to fill out an application.

Contact: Amy Marshall, BET McNair Program Coordinator, amy.marshall@csueastbay.edu or Dr. Jenny O, McNair PI, jenny.o@csueastbay.edu for questions and details.