Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs

Protect the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program 

https://coenet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Toolkit-September-Stand-Up-for-MCNAIR-_091125.pdf

First, Identify Your Members Of Congress At The Online Directory Linked Below.
Then use your phone and email to reach out to their district and DC offices — aim for the education aide, legislative director, and district directors. If you can, do this during a break in your day: even a short call and quick follow-up email makes a difference. Your voice is the difference between silence and protection. On September 16, stand with McNair scholars: call, email, recruit five friends, and report your results. Together, we will make clear that McNair’s mission to prepare students for doctoral study and academic careers must be preserved.

• Find your Members of Congress here.
• Find staff contact lists for Hill offices here.

SAY THIS ON THE PHONE
If You Can, Briefly Add One Personal Sentence About Why Mcnair Matters To You — A Story Is Unforgettable.
“Hello — my name is [YOUR NAME], I’m a constituent from [CITY, STATE]. I’m calling because I’m very concerned about the TRIO McNair program. Please ask [Representative/Senator] to contact the Secretary of Education and ensure that McNair grants are not cancelled and that all McNair grant award notifications for 2025–2026 are released before September 30. Thank you.” tel:+12022243121

SAY THIS ON THE PHONE - Release Grant Award Notices (GANS)
If You Can, Briefly Add One Personal Sentence About Why Releasing GANS before Sept. 30, 2025  To You — A Story Is Unforgettable.
“Hello — my name is [YOUR NAME], I’m a constituent from [CITY, STATE]. I’m calling because I’m very concerned about the release of "The Grant Award Notices" for all TRIO Programs. Please ask [Representative/Senator] to contact the Secretary of Education and ensure that McNair grants are not cancelled and that all McNair grant award notifications for 2025–2026 are released before September 30. Thank you.   IF your university wants to furlough you by a certain date, state this also.

SEND THIS AS AN EMAIL
Invite Five Friends, Colleagues, Alumni, And Mentors To Do The Same.
Subject: Protect McNair — Release McNair Grant Award Notifications
Dear [Staffer’s name or Office of Representative/Senator],
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I live in [CITY, STATE]. I’m writing to express urgent concern about the Department of Education’s review and cancellation actions affecting the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. McNair provides essential mentoring, research experience, and graduate-school preparation for students from underrepresented backgrounds. I respectfully request that [Representative/Senator] contact the Secretary of Education to ensure McNair grants are not cancelled and that all 2025–2026 McNair grant award notifications are released before September 30. Thank you for standing with McNair scholars.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[ORGANIZATION / AFFILIATION]
[PHONE] | [EMAIL]