Notable McNair and TRIO Participants

The McNair Scholars Program is part of the Federal TRiO programs, designed to support individuals facing educational disadvantages. Other TRiO programs include:

• Upward Bound: Prepares disadvantaged high school students for college.
• Talent Search: Supports high school students to pursue higher education.
• Student Support Services: Enhances college retention and graduation rates.
• Educational Opportunity Centers: Provides counseling and education for adults pursuing college.
• Veterans Upward Bound: Assists veterans in enrolling in college.
• Upward Bound Math-Science: Supports high school students in STEM fields.
• Training Program for Federal TRiO Programs: Enhances TRiO program staff effectiveness.

Learn more about our namesake Dr. Ronald E. McNair from Biography.com and NASA.

Meet the National TRIO Achiever Award Recipients.

Notable McNair and TRIO Alumni Include:

Bernard Harris

"Everyone is born in this world with the ability to do whatever they desire to do. We hope to encourage the idea that if you listen to yourself, it will lead you to what you want to do in life."

Bernard Harris is a scientist, physician, businessman, and former NASA astronaut. In 1995, he became the first African-American to perform extra-vehicular activity (spacewalk). Harris holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston, an MD from Texas Tech University School of Medicine, a Master of Medical Science from the University of Texas - Galveston, and an MBA from the University of Houston. He spent ten years at NASA, conducting research in musculoskeletal physiology and disuse osteoporosis. He later led the Exercise Countermeasure Project, which developed medical devices to extend astronauts' time in space.

Franklin Chang-Díaz

Franklin Ramón Chang-Díaz is a mechanical engineer, physicist, and former NASA astronaut. He was the third Latin American in space and holds a tied record for the most spaceflights, having completed seven Space Shuttle missions. Of mixed Costa Rican Spanish and Chinese descent, he became a U.S. citizen in 1977. Chang-Díaz holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. in Applied Plasma Physics from MIT. He is currently the president and CEO of Ad Astra, a company focused on developing advanced plasma rocket propulsion technology.

A. C. Green

A.C. Green, also known as "Iron Man," is a former NBA player renowned for playing a record 1,192 consecutive games, the most in NBA/ABA history. Over his career, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat. Green holds a degree in Speech Communication from Oregon State University.

Gwendolynne "Gwen"  Moore

Gwendolynne "Gwen" Moore, a Democrat, has served as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 4th congressional district since 2005. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Marquette University and is a passionate advocate for women's rights, health, and well-being.
 

Kevin Shibilski

Kevin Shibilski is an investor, businessman, and former Democratic State Senator from Wisconsin's 24th District. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and has worked extensively in environmental protection and conservation.
 

Photo Credits: Franklin Chang-Díaz (cataloged by NASA under Photo ID: S97-06573); A. C. Green (Department of Housing and Urban Development | Public Domain); Bernard Harris (Tim Pierce |  CC BY-SA 3.0); Gwen Moore (Official portrait, U.S. Congress | Public Domain); Kevin Shibilski (Dustinklein56 | CC BY-SA 3.0)