$1.3M federal grant assists first-generation students, students with disabilities
9/1/2022, 6 p.m.
Virginia Commonwealth University plans to aid the academic path of underrepre- sented undergraduates, courtesy of a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.
VCU is one of three Virginia universities to receive the McNair grant, named for the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduate and the second African-American to fly in space.
Mr. McNair was recruited by actress Nichelle Nichols in 1978 as part of a NASA initiative to increase the number of minority and female astronauts. He died in 1986 during a mission as a member of the tragic Challenger Space Shuttle crew.
The McNair program is intended to help low-wealth or first-generation college students, in addition to students with disabilities earning doctoral degrees.
“We couldn’t be more excited to initiate the Ronald McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program at VCU,” said Tomikia LeGrande, vice president for strategy, enrollment management, and student success for VCU.
“Participation in McNair gives our students the support, inspiration and access they need to seek an advanced degree. The McNair Program is one way we’re showing our commitment to the success of all of our students.”
