USDA reinstates 1890 scholarship that helps Mississippi HBCU students study farming, food

By Bonnie Bolden

• The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides scholarships to students attending HBCUs for agriculture-related studies, has reopened its application process.
• The program, suspended in February, was reinstated and is accepting applications until March 15.
• The scholarships cover full tuition, fees, books, room, and board, with opportunities for work experience at various USDA agencies.
• Nineteen HBCUs across the country participate in the program, which aims to increase diversity in agricultural fields.

The USDA has reinstated a scholarship program that gives students from underserved communities money to attend HBCUs for specific training, and the time to apply is now.

The 1890 Scholars Program was suspended in February, “pending further review.” The USDA later released a statement saying current recipients “over 300 — regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department.”

The move was part of a directive by President Donald Trump to freeze, then review federal spending.

Last week, the site for the program was updated to say that the application process is open through March 15.

The program gave $19.2 million to scholarships for 94 students in fiscal year 2024. Per the USDA, it provided “full tuition, fees, books, room and board” to recipients.

Here’s what we know about the 1890 scholarship program.

What does the 1890 National Scholars Program do?

The funds, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), go toward increasing the number of students studying agriculture and related majors, animal science, botany, forestry and more. Nineteen 1890 land grant colleges, all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are part of the program.

“The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. The program is a crucial part of USDA’s Next Generation efforts,” the site for the program reads.

Which Mississippi HBCU is in the scholarship program?

Alcorn State University in Lorman is part of the program. It’s the country’s oldest land-grant HBCU.

According to a December news release from the school, a dozen students were selected to be part of the 1890 Scholars Program.

“As an 1890 Scholar, I’ve had an incredibly enriching experience that has provided me with unique opportunities for academic and personal growth,” Vinterrious Hunt said in the news release. “My most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to network and work with like-minded peers and mentors, as well as obtain a job with USDA Farm Service Agency as a student trainee during school and as a full-time employee after I finish my BS degree. This program has not only enhanced my educational and career experience but also instilled a sense of purpose and confidence in my future endeavors.”

According to the release from Alcorn, students in the program could get the chance to work with several agencies, including:

• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
• Agricultural Research Service.
• Farm Service Agency.
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Rural Development.
• U.S. Forest Service.
• Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Know more: 2 Mississippi federal buildings on list Trump admin wants to sell after back to office order

Which HBCU schools get 1890 scholarships from the USDA?

According to the USDA, these 19 HBCUs are part of the program:

• 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.

What’s the best college in Mississippi? Niche ranks Ole Miss, State and more for 2025

How old is the 1890 scholarship program?

The program was created in 1992.

“As we work to build a future agriculture workforce that represents American society, USDA NIFA’s 1890 Scholarships Program is a critical component for success. Since the program was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, NIFA has invested $92 million to support 3,274 scholarships to help recruit, engage, retain, mentor and train undergraduate students at the 19 1890 Land-grant Universities.”

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Dr. Manjit Misra, in an October 2024 news release

When is the deadline to apply for the scholarship?

According to the site, people must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time Saturday, March 15.

Go to the 1890 National Scholars Program site to apply or get more information.

Who could qualify for the 1890 scholarships?

The program is open to high school seniors and rising sophomores and juniors at the college level. The application process was originally slated to be open through March 1.

The funds could be renewed each year, depending on academic performance.

According to the USDA, applicants had to meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have a 3.0 GPA or better (4.0 scale).
• Have minimum test scores of 21 on the ACT or 1080 on the SAT.
• Be accepted to attend or already be attending an 1890 land-grant university.
• Major in one of the required topics.
• Have a history of leadership, community service.
• Submit an official high school transcript.
• Write two essays on specific topics.

More: HillmanTok University – a ‘virtual HBCU’ – is growing as Trump dismantles federal DEI

What are the essay questions?

Students have to write two 250-500 word essays for both of these questions, according to the USDA site:

• “How will the USDA 1890 National Scholarship support your career aspirations? If there is a particular mission area within USDA that also supports your career aspirations, please indicate that mission area.
• “What factors have influenced your decision to pursue academic studies in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or a supporting discipline (such as economics, computer science, accounting, etc.)?”

What do you have to study to qualify?

The USDA said scholars must study one of these majors:

• 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. non-medical biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, computer science).