On September 21, 2007 Congressman Lloyd Doggett announced that St. Edward's University is receiving a Ronald E. McNair TRIO grant for $231,000 from the U.S. Department of Education. This program prepares participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements, and encourage students to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal is to increase the attainment of PhD degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society. In August 2003, St. Edward's University received their first four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to begin the McNair Scholars Program. The McNair Scholars Program is named in honor of Ronald E. McNair, an African-American engineer, scientist and Challenger astronaut who was killed when the shuttle exploded upon liftoff in 1986. McNair scholars are undergraduate students interested in pursuing PhD’s who are typically underrepresented in their fields of interest. A majority are low-income and first-generation college students. The program provides funding for faculty-directed research that includes a stipend for scholars. In addition, McNair scholars benefit from visits to graduate schools, academic counseling, course tutoring, professional conferences, preparation for GRE exams, and advice and assistance with the graduate school selection and application process.