First-generation, limited-income and underrepresented minorities are eligible for financial and academic assistance from the McNair Scholars Program. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and UVM is granted $231,000 per year, McNair Program Assistant Susan Williford said.   Benefits to the program include paid mentors, academic counseling, free laptops and a summer research internship, senior Dylan Conger said. “All of these benefits were invaluable, and I would recommend anyone who qualifies and plans to attend grad school to apply,” Conger said. The McNair Scholars Program is currently recruiting eligible rising juniors and seniors for participation this coming summer, McNair Program Assistant Susan Williford said.   “What is amazing about the program is that it is run by wonderful and passionate staff that works tirelessly for their scholars’ success,” senior Chol Dhoor said. “I enthusiastically encourage students who qualify to apply right away and talk to scholars.” Dhoor said he learned of the McNair Scholars program through the website www.uvm.edu~mcnair and through friends that conducted research with McNair funding.   “I applied to enrich my research skills and learn from other scholars,” he said. Besides the free Macbook Pro with a printer, senior Shirley Frimpog said she gained confidence in conducting and presenting research at Penn State University because of the opportunities offered to her through the McNair Scholars Program. “It’s a shame that most people have no idea that the McNair Scholars program exists, as it has been a great experience,” Conger said.