Doctoral Degree Attainment From Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program Alumni: An Explanatory Embedded Case Study

• In Event: International and Mentoring Graduate Students

Abstract

Due to structural educational inequity, White students, those whose parents attained a four year university degree, and those from upper or middle class households are much more likely to attain a doctoral degree. One federal program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, provides high achieving undergraduate juniors and seniors with academic and financial support to help marginalized students enroll and succeed in graduate school. However, little research has examined how this program has helped students attain the ultimate goal of a doctoral degree. In this explanatory, embedded case study, 12 participants described how this program provided them with financial, academic, and social supports from peers, faculty, and staff during the three phases of the doctoral program.

Author

• Rachel L Renbarger, Western Michigan University