The McNair Scholars Program at San Diego State University, subtitled "Future Professors of Math, Science, and Math/Science Education" is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and aims to prepare low-income, first generation college students for entrance into doctoral programs in math, science, and math/science education. The McNair program is built on the assumption that many exceptional individuals from low-income backgrounds, who would make excellent university professors, may not be easily identified. The SDSU program identifies potential students, provides mentors in their chosen discipline, supplies small stipends for summer research programs, and provides outlets for the publication and presentation of their findings. The program is named for the Challenger Astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair.