The McNair Scholars Program at Montana State University-Bozeman is one of the premier and nationally recognized undergraduate programs on campus. The essence of our program is to successfully combine faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, and academic support services for students whose families have not traditionally participated in post-secondary education.  Specifically, those students who are the first in their families to attend college and are from low-income families OR are members of ethnic/racial underrepresented minorities.

The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase post-baccalaureate degree attainment (e.g. Ph.D.) of underrepresented students (e.g. first generation & low income or multi-cultural minorities).  The Program provides students effective preparation for graduate school success by offering key sequence of services. Some of the examples of the McNair services include: undergraduate research internships, presentation experiences, financial support, personalized mentor-matching, graduate school admission workshops, seminars, and academic advising.

Update:   Students applying for Travel and Conference Awards for 23/24 can now be awarded up to $750

Undergraduate students who have been accepted to present research or creative projects at academic and professional conferences are eligible to apply for up  support through the USP Conference Travel and Conference Award.  Below is more infomation.

• These awards are non-competitive; qualified applicants will receive awards contingent on availability of funds. 
• Funding awarded by USP will be transferred to the student’s home or research department to ensure that funding is disbursed in accordance with department and university policies.  Please note, before applying to gather your home department's accountant contact information. 
• USP does not provide funding for travel related to research projects.  If you are seeking funding for travel related to a research project, please apply the USP Research Grant program and include travel expenses in your budget.

English Conference Travel Grants are intended to support presentation of original research, scholarship, or creative work. In general, Travel Grants cannot be used for research or for participation in courses, workshops, or field trips that do not involve a research presentation by the student. If you have questions please email english@montana.edu.

Eligibility and Award Stipulations

• Awards are available to undergraduate and graduate students with majors and minors in English Teaching, Literature, and Writing. Post-bac students are also eligible to apply.
• These awards are non-competitive; qualified applicants will receive awards contingent on availability of funds.
• Students may apply for an award of up to $500 to present or co-present original research, papers or posters at a conference.
• Eligible expenses include airfare, lodging, mileage, and conference registration fees. Please note that students who only attend and not present at conferences are not eligible for the award.
• Trips to complete or shadow research are not eligible for the award.
•  Students must be enrolled during time of travel.
•  Students must provide proof of acceptance from the conference or event.
• Recent graduates who have an opportunity to present or co-present may be considered on a case-by-case basis and should obtain prior approval from the Department Chair.
• Please see the application deadlines below and plan accordingly to submit the request prior to the indicated deadline. Students are strongly encouraged to develop a backup plan in the event they are not selected for the funding.
• Students must apply for additional funding sources prior to applying for the English Department student travel fund:

                  Undergraduate Scholars Program

                  College of Letters & Science Dean’s Student Travel Fund

                  The Graduate School – Graduate Professional Advancement Grant

Award Periods

• Fall Application Period - This period covers opportunities occurring between July 1st and December 31st. Fall application becomes available on the first day of each Fall semester. Any travel occurring between July 1st and notification of award will be considered for retroactive reimbursement.
• Spring Application Period - This covers opportunities occurring between January 1st and June 30th. Spring application becomes available on the first day of each Spring semester. Any travel occurring between January 1st and notification of award will be considered for retroactive reimbursement.

2023 - 2024 Academic Year Deadlines

• Note: Funding is awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Fall 2023:  Travel between July 1 and December 31, 2023 - Application opens September 8, 2023 and closes Thursday, October 5, 2023 (submissions after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis). 
• Spring 2023:  Travel between January 1 and June 30, 2024 - Application opens September 8, 2023 and closes Thursday, February 8, 2024 (submissions after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Acceptance

• Award recipients will work with their faculty sponsor and the Business Operations Manager to utilize the award. Awardees are encouraged to attend and participate in the College of Letters & Science Annual Awards Ceremony as well as the English Department Annual Awards scheduled at the end of the academic year.