The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened applications for its 1890 National Scholars Program. This initiative targets students in 1890 land-grant universities, encouraging them to follow career paths in food and agriculture. Interested candidates must apply by March 1, 2024.
The program, managed through the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), invites high school seniors and college students (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors) to apply online. According to OPPE Director Lisa Ramirez, the program aims to build a skilled workforce for the USDA and the wider agriculture sector in the U.S. It introduces young individuals to diverse areas in food and agriculture, supporting the USDA's objective of creating career opportunities for emerging leaders.
Scholarships under this program cover full tuition, fees, books, room, and board for students attending any of the 19 historically Black land-grant universities. These universities include notable institutions like Alabama A&M, Florida A&M University, and Tuskegee University. Students pursue degrees in agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or related fields, complemented by valuable work experience through summer internships at the USDA.
The program is not just a scholarship but a pathway to a permanent role at the USDA upon successful degree completion. In the 2023 cohort, 100 scholarships were awarded, demonstrating the USDA's investment in the future of agriculture education.
This scholarship program is a part of the USDA's ongoing efforts to support historically Black universities and to transform America's food system, focusing on resilience, fairness, and sustainability under the Administration.