The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program makes college and agricultural careers a reality

July 20, 2023

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected a record number of 100 students for USDA/1890 National Scholars through a new online application process. The new online portal supports USDA’s efforts to improve access to USDA programs, increase equity and inclusion, and build USDA’s workforce.

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and 19 historically black land-grant states established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), these scholarships are part of USDA’s efforts to build the next generation of food and agriculture leaders.

“The USDA/1890s National Scholars Program is an important pathway to careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, USDA. USDA is committed to developing a more diverse workforce and helping students succeed in their education and the workforce,” said OPPE Director Lisa Ramirez.

Through the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, USDA partners with 1890 universities to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarship recipients must attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource science or related academic subjects. The scholarship includes work experience at USDA through summer internships. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as college sophomores and juniors.

Scholars are assigned to USDA agencies and offices, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Forest Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Economic Research Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

USDA has a long history of investing in and supporting historically black universities, particularly the land-grant universities established in 1890 under the second Morrill Act. 1890 Land Grant System 19 Universities: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, North Carolina & M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky and Kentucky State University, South Carolina State University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tus. Keighley University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Eastern Shore University of Maryland, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.

For more information about the USDA/1890s National Scholars Program, visit www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890s-program.