USDA’s 1890 National Scholars Program application deadline extended to March

By The Arkansas Delta Informer Staff

Pine Bluff, Ark. – March 5, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 1890 National Scholars Program’s application deadline has been extended to March 15. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.

USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Dr. Jerrick L. Hornbeak, USDA 1890 liaison for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), said. During the summer months while in college, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency, including employee benefits. After graduation, all USDA/1890 National Scholars are employed by their selected agency. They must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided.

National scholars must major in agriculture or related sciences, which include agronomy, animal sciences, plant sciences, food sciences and technology, forestry, home economics and nutrition, horticulture, natural resources management, soil conservation, farm and range management, pre-veterinary medicine, and computer science.

“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program enhances career opportunities for students at 1890 land-grant universities,” said Lisa Ramirez, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “The program has also been an effective tool to help USDA recruit and retain highly qualified students into careers in food, agricultural science, natural resources and related fields.”

Learn more and apply online at the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program webpage. For more information, contact partnerships@usda.gov.

In addition to UAPB, the nation’s 1890 land-grant universities include Alabama A&M, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.