Overview:
The 1890 National Scholars Program partners with 19 HBCUS to provide full scholarships in agriculture, food sciences, and natural resources.
Updated: As of today, The USDA 1890s National Scholars Program application period has been reopened, and applications will be accepted through March 15th. Please check this page again for information about upcoming webinars.
The Trump Administration has suspended the 1890 Land Grant program after a series of sweeping executive orders focused on eliminating race-based decisions in P-16 education.
This program focused on advancing agricultural research, education, and extension programs across the United States. Partnering with 19 historically Black universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, the program ensures high-quality agricultural education while fostering a pipeline of skilled graduates in the agricultural sciences.
With many outcrying this decision, Senator Jon Ossof issued a statement, “The Trump Administration’s suspension of funding for Georgia HBCU students who support Georgia agriculture is wrong and hurts our state. This program has been a lifeline for HBCU students in Georgia, providing learning opportunities at Fort Valley State University and empowering young Georgians who are excited and committed to contribute to our agricultural industry’s growth and innovation.I urge the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate this funding to ensure that Georgia’s HBCU students receive the support Congress directed to them.”
During the 2024 fiscal year, the USDA awarded 94 1890 scholarships for students at the following (19) 1890 universities:
- West Virginia State University
- Alabama A&M University
- Alcorn State University, Mississippi
- Central State University, Ohio
- Delaware State University
- Florida A&M University
- Fort Valley State University, Georgia
- Kentucky State University
- Langston University, Oklahoma
- Lincoln University, Missouri
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Prairie View A&M University, Texas
- South Carolina State University
- Southern University, Louisiana
- Tennessee State University
- Tuskegee University, Alabama
- University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Virginia State University
These 19 institutions are at the forefront of strengthening research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. This program allows students to explore careers in agriculture, food, natural resources, and human sciences, helping to diversify and expand the nation’s agricultural workforce.
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program: A Pathway to Agricultural Careers
The program aims to increase minority representation in agricultural disciplines; the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial and professional support to selected students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, and related fields.
Scholars accepted into the program receive full tuition, employment opportunities, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board for up to four years. This initiative alleviates the financial burden of higher education and fosters academic excellence and career readiness. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and steady progress toward earning a bachelor’s degree.
A key feature of the program is its commitment to career development. Upon completing their degrees, scholars are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with the USDA, as stipulated under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Section 12519). This opportunity provides a direct pathway for graduates to enter and contribute to the agricultural sector.
To uphold the program’s mission, scholars must commit to a year of service with the USDA for each year of financial assistance received. This service requirement ensures that graduates apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways that benefit their careers and the broader agricultural community.
As more information comes, this article will be updated.
