Iowa State University’s Graduate College has received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help underrepresented and first-generation students earn doctoral degrees under the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, according to a release. The program is named for Ronald McNair, a Ph.D. physicist and mission specialist astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. McNair “scholars” develop personal and professional connections with peers, faculty and graduate student mentors; gain research experience working alongside faculty; and learn more about the culture of graduate school. More than 400 Iowa State students have participated in the program since it began in 1995. McNair scholars receive a training stipend, financial support to present research projects and network with peers at national conferences, and resources to prepare for the Graduate Record Examination.