(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) announced today a $220,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the Ronald E. McNair TRIO program at Sul Ross State University.  The McNair scholars program at Sul Ross provides mentoring for students from underprivileged backgrounds and encourages the completion of graduate degrees.

"The McNair program opens the doors of opportunity to accomplished students who might not otherwise feel that doctoral degrees were within their reach," said Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez.  "This grant recognizes Sul Ross's tremendous success in guiding these young scholars and helping them achieve their full potential.  As the first of their families to go to college, many of the McNair students have already achieved so much - and the McNair program enables them to dream even bigger."

Through extended mentoring, the McNair TRIO program is working to increase the number of Ph.D. graduates in the U.S. from underrepresented populations.  Sul Ross students from disadvantaged backgrounds are selected for the McNair program by demonstrating strong academic potential.  McNair scholars are mentored through their undergraduate years, counseled through the graduate school applications process, and their progress followed through the completion of their doctoral and post-graduate degrees.  The McNair program also provides academic counseling, financial aid assistance, research opportunities, seminars, summer internships, and tutoring.  The McNair scholars program is named after Ronald E. McNair, astronaut and mission specialist on the Challenger Space Shuttle.

For more information or assistance with Federal grants, please contact Congressman Rodriguez's Congressional Office at 1-866-915-3493. 

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