The Department of Education is recognizing Oberlin College for its leadership in education of low-income, first-generation and minority students. Oberlin has been awarded a grant totaling nearly $1.6 million to support the academic aspirations of 20 low-income first-generation college students and minorities who are traditionally underrepresented in graduate level programs. The College was first awarded $775,529 in 1995, and this year's grant entitles Oberlin to receive $207,599 for each of the next four years.
The Ronald E. McNair grant, named for one of the six astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger explosion, aims to encourage first-generation, low income and minority students to enter Ph.D. programs, followed by careers in fields of research or education. McNair was the first in his family to receive a Ph.D.
After reviewing information from all academically promising minority students, 10 juniors and 10 seniors will be recruited by faculty members who are McNair mentors. These students will participate in eight-week summer research programs for which they will be awarded stipends of $4000. In addition, they will attend workshops that focus on graduate studies, financial aid, career choices and exam preparation. They will also observe professional conferences and visit graduate schools. Participants also undertake Winter Term projects designed to enhance research and technical writing skills.
The first recruits for the program will be selected by March 2000.
Copyright © 1999, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 128, Number 1, September 3, 1999
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