The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program: Supporting Agricultural Education and Diversity
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, established in 1992, has been a vital instrument in promoting diversity in agriculture education and supporting rural student scholarships. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1890 National Scholars Program is aimed at bolstering educational and career opportunities for students from rural or underserved communities around the country. The scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books, room and board. Scholars attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. The program provides students full tuition, fees, books, room and board, and a summer internship which could lead to full-time employment with USDA after graduation.
A Cornerstone of Diversity and Equity
The USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which provided full tuition and fees for rural students and underserved communities, has been a cornerstone of diversity and equity in agricultural education. USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) manages the 1890 National Scholars Program, which is aimed at increasing the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resource and other related sciences.
Eligibility and Requirements
The scholarship is available to eligible high school seniors entering their first year of college that will attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities to pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. Rising college sophomores and juniors are also eligible to apply if they meet the same criteria.
To be eligible for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale)
- Have a minimum of 21 ACT, 1080 SAT scores
- Have been accepted for admission or currently attending one of the nineteen 1890 Land-Grant Universities.
- Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines
- Demonstrate leadership and community service
- Submit an official transcript, from each high school and college attended, with an authorized official's signature
- Submit a 250-500 word essay for each of the following questions: "How will the USDA 1890 National Scholarship support your career aspirations?"
Partner Universities
The program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 land-grant institutions, which are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) that were established under the Second Morrill Land Grand Act of 1890, which required states to create colleges and universities for Black students.
Read also: USDA Loan Requirements: Student Debt
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program partner universities:
- 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
- West Virginia State University
Eligible Fields of Study
USDA 1890 National Scholars are required to study one of the following disciplines:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business/Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics
- Agricultural Production and Technology
- Agronomy or Crop Science
- Animal Sciences
- Botany
- Food Sciences/Technology
- Forestry and Related Sciences
- Home Economics/Nutrition
- Horticulture
- Natural Resources Management
- Soil Conservation/Soil Science
- Farm and Range Management
- Other related disciplines, (e.g. pre-veterinary medicine).
Application Details
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as part of the partnership between USDA and the 1890 land-grant universities. The applications for the 2024 school year were accepted from December 15, 2023 through March 1, 2024. Visit USDA.gov to learn more about the 1890 National Scholars Program and how to apply.
Concerns Regarding Program Suspension
Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended a crucial scholarship program aimed at supporting students in agriculture, food safety, and natural resource sciences. As advocates for equitable access to higher education and proponents of diversity in agriculture, there are deep concerns about the implications of this suspension. The suspension of the HBCU agriculture scholarships has been met with widespread concern and criticism. This suspension is not occurring in isolation. It coincides with a funding freeze instituted by the Trump administration, which cited the need to review whether spending aligned with executive orders on issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Reduced Access to Higher Education
The program has been a crucial pathway for rural and underserved students to access higher education in agricultural sciences.
Read also: HBCU Students Affected by USDA Decision
Diminished Diversity in Agriculture
The scholarship program has been instrumental in increasing diversity in agricultural sciences.
Economic Impact on Rural Communities
The program has been a means for students from rural areas to gain education and potentially bring that knowledge back to their communities.
Funding Challenges for Agricultural Science Degrees
The suspension of the USDA 1890 Scholars Program is part of a broader context of funding challenges for agricultural science degrees. The funding freeze affecting these scholarships raises questions about the overall commitment to agricultural education at the federal level.
The Role of Land Grant Universities
To fully understand the impact of this suspension, it’s crucial to recognize the role of land grant universities in agricultural education. These universities have been at the forefront of agricultural research and education, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by small-scale and minority farmers. The 1890 land grant institutions were established precisely because of racial segregation in higher education.
Agriculture, Climate Change, and Racial Equity
The suspension of the USDA 1890 Scholars Program comes at a time when the intersection of agriculture, climate change, and racial equity is more pronounced than ever. Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, and diverse perspectives are crucial in developing innovative solutions. Moreover, the program has been a step towards addressing historical racial discrimination in agriculture.
Read also: 1890 Scholars Program Suspended: Details
Technology and the Future of Agriculture Education
As we consider the impact of the scholarship suspension, it’s important to recognize the evolving landscape of agriculture education, particularly the role of technology. Modern agriculture increasingly relies on advanced technologies for precision farming, crop monitoring, and resource management. The suspension of the USDA scholarship program could potentially widen the gap in access to these technologies between students from different backgrounds.
Food Safety Education
Another critical aspect affected by the suspension of the USDA 1890 Scholars Program is food safety education.
Alternative Funding Sources and Innovative Approaches
As we navigate these challenges, it’s important to explore alternative funding sources and innovative approaches to supporting agricultural education. In light of the funding challenges facing agricultural education, technology can play a crucial role in bridging gaps and providing innovative solutions.
tags: #USDA #HBCU #Scholarship #Program #requirements
