The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stopped the 1890 National Scholars Program, an important project offering full scholarships to students from rural and underprivileged areas attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The USDA’s website says that the program is currently being looked at, but no specific reasons for the halt have been given. This has led to a lot of questions.
Program Background and Impact
The program’s mission has been to promote education and employment opportunities in agriculture and related fields. In fiscal year 2024, it awarded 94 scholarships, covering full tuition, fees, books, and room and board for recipients.
North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest HBCU and a leading land-grant institution, is among those significantly affected by the suspension. The program played a crucial role in supporting students who were pursuing degrees in agriculture, food sciences, and its related fields at NC A&T and other institutions.
Looking Forward
As the USDA conducts its review, advocates and stakeholders are mobilizing to push for the program’s reinstatement. NC A&T’s leadership, along with other 1890 land-grant institutions, are expected to seek answers and fight for the program’s continuation while working to secure alternative funding sources for affected students.
The suspension of this program raises broader questions about commitment to diversity in agricultural education and the future of support for historically Black institutions in higher education.