Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the awarding of 91 scholarships through the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. This initiative is part of the Department's efforts to cultivate a diverse future workforce in food and agriculture sectors. The program, administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), collaborates with 19 historically Black land-grant universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890.
“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 scholars participated in an orientation and swearing-in ceremony at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., attended by presidents from several 1890 institutions.
The program provides scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Recipients must attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related fields. Additionally, the scholarship includes work experience through USDA internships throughout the year. It is available to high school seniors entering college as well as rising sophomores and juniors.
The 91 scholars will be placed at various USDA agencies and offices including the 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, and Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
USDA has a longstanding history of supporting historically Black universities through investments particularly focused on those established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. The universities involved include Alabama A&M University; 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 and A&M College; Tennessee State University; Tuskegee University; University of Arkansas Pine Bluff; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Virginia State University; and West Virginia State University.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA aims to transform America’s food system with a focus on resilient local food production, fairer markets for producers, ensuring access to nutritious food across communities, building new income streams for farmers using climate-smart practices, investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy capabilities while committing to equity across its operations.
For more information about USDA initiatives visit www.usda.gov.
