Sarah Ramirez selected as UW McNair Scholar

Acceptance to the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is yet another notable achievement of “firsts” for first-generation college student Sarah Ramirez, a junior in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. As a freshman, Sarah was also selected to join the inaugural cohort of the UW Bothell Global Scholars Program, in which she studied comparative law and politics in Rome through the Law, Societies and Justice program at the UW. Now, as a double major in American & Ethnic Studies and Law, Economics & Public Policy, Sarah serves as a research assistant for the newest cohort of Global Scholars.

As a McNair Scholar, Sarah will participate in seminars and workshops on topics related to graduate school preparation, complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and have the opportunity to present research at local, regional and national conferences. McNair Scholars are highly recruited by graduate schools because of their academic achievement and readiness for graduate education.

Sarah’s involvement in the IAS and the Bothell campus community will likely encourage more UW Bothell students to explore graduate school opportunities through McNair. In fact, this influence has already increased student awareness of and participation in the Global Scholars program. The Global Scholars Directors commented that “Sarah’s courage to speak publicly and share her story makes it possible for other students from underrepresented backgrounds to imagine themselves abroad. She recognizes the impact this can make in the lives of UW Bothell students, which is why she so willingly volunteers.”

The McNair Program encourages first-generation college students, those with financial need, and students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups to expand their educational opportunities by enrolling in a Ph.D. program and pursuing an academic career. As one of eight federal TRIO programs, the McNair Program is named for astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member Dr. Ron McNair. After his death in the 1986 Challenger accident, Congress posthumously awarded Dr. McNair the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. At UW, the program operates within the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity on the Seattle campus. For more information on Dr. McNair, visit his biography on the NASA website and the National McNair Scholars Program website.