TRIO & McNair

Students assist one another at the TRIO/Educational Access programs office

TRIO and McNair at SEMO are staffed by professionals certified in learning assistance, higher education theory, financial literacy, and leadership development. We support and prepare students for their launch into life and career as degreed professionals.

TRIO/Student Support Services

The TRIO at SEMO is designed to offer funding for first generation college students. TRIO funding is a federally funded grant program and students must meet specific criteria to be eligible for this program.

Learn about Student Support Services/TRIO

McNair program

The McNair program is designed to SEMO students above 60 credit hours who want to pursue a graduate degree. Historically this program was created for underrepresented students.

Learn about the McNair Program

Become a Partner

Our community partners collaborate with us to provide opportunities and promote professional growth for our Southeast students. Want to get involved? Fill out the form to get started.

Partner Contact Form

TRIO/McNair Scholars Alumni

The TRIO/McNair Scholars Program at Southeast Missouri State University would like to stay in touch with our former Scholars. By completing the survey below you will be keeping the McNair staff, faculty mentors, and future scholars up to date on your education and career. Please complete the survey to update your current information.

Complete the Survey

Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D.

The Inspiration for the McNair Scholars Program

At the age of 26, Ronald Erwin McNair earned his Ph.D. in laser physics from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was selected by NASA to serve as mission specialist aboard the ill-fated U.S. Challenger Space Shuttle. Dr. McNair was the second African American to fly in space. He was killed instantly when the Challenger exploded one minute, thirteen seconds after it was launched. Dr. McNair was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. After his death, members of Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Their goal was to encourage low-income and first-generation college students, and students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups to expand their educational opportunities.