The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $19.2 million in undergraduate scholarships for students at 1890 Land-grant Universities. This initiative aims to foster interest in food and agricultural careers among young individuals.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the importance of this funding, stating, “The 1890 Land-grant Universities have been critical partners in building the next generation of agricultural leaders, including here at USDA.” He emphasized that this scholarship investment is a valuable resource for students as they pursue their dreams and make an impact on the world.
Vilsack is set to discuss this announcement further during a meeting with the 1890 Land Grant University Council of Presidents.
Administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), these scholarships support outstanding students from 1890 Land-grant Universities in completing baccalaureate degrees in food and agricultural sciences. This program complements USDA’s existing 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides full tuition and other expenses for competitively selected students. Both programs are part of USDA's efforts to develop a skilled workforce in food and agriculture systems.
Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics stated, “The investments and partnerships USDA science has with the 1890 community...build capacity that brings excellence and diversity into the agriculture sector.”
August 30 marked the anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which granted Land-grant status to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The USDA has consistently supported these institutions through various programs designed to enhance their research capabilities.
Dr. Manjit Misra, NIFA Director remarked on the program's significance: “As we work to build a future agriculture workforce that represents American society, USDA NIFA’s 1890 Scholarships Program is a critical component for success.”
Funds were distributed among all nineteen participating institutions including Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Central State University among others.
Through these investments, NIFA continues its mission to nurture innovation within food and agricultural sciences while promoting equitable change across communities nationwide. In fiscal year 2023 alone it invested $2.5 billion towards achieving these goals.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration's leadership; USDA remains committed not only towards transforming America’s food system but also ensuring fairer markets along with access towards safe nutritious foods whilst making historic infrastructural investments especially focusing upon rural areas thereby removing systemic barriers whilst creating representative workforce reflective upon broader American society aspirations."
