Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced 91 scholarships awarded through the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, one of the Department’s efforts to develop the next generation of diverse food and agriculture professionals. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is an important pathway for careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, development—and at USDA,” said OPPE Director Lisa Ramirez. “USDA is committed to fostering a more diverse workforce and to helping students be successful in their studies and in the workforce.”
This week, the 1890 National Scholars participated in an orientation and a swearing-in ceremony held at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The presidents of several 1890 institutions joined them.
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 sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship also includes work experience through USDA internships throughout the year. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors.
The 91 scholars will be placed at USDA agencies and offices, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Research Service, the Farm Service Agency, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.