The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended the 1890 Scholars Program, which provided scholarships to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This decision affects many students across 19 land-grant HBCUs, including Alcorn State University in Mississippi. However, the USDA has confirmed that students already in the program will be allowed to complete their studies without disruption.
USDA Suspends 1890 Scholarship Program
The 1890 Scholars Program was designed to encourage students from underserved communities to pursue degrees in agriculture and related fields. It covered full tuition, fees, books, room, and board, helping students focus on their education without financial stress. In the fiscal year 2024, the program awarded $19.2 million in scholarships to 94 students.
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Alcorn State University, the oldest land-grant HBCU in the United States, was one of the institutions that benefited from this program. Many students at Alcorn have expressed how the scholarship has shaped their academic and career goals. Je’Milya Hudson, one of the scholars, shared that being part of the program expanded her knowledge in environmental sciences, sustainability, and agriculture. She emphasized that the scholarship motivated her to use her degree to support underprivileged communities, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors.
The USDA scholarship program also provided work opportunities for students with various agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service, the Farm Service Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This allowed students to gain valuable experience in their field while studying.
The scholarship program was originally created in 1992, but recent developments led to its suspension. The USDA stated that the decision is part of an effort to optimize operations and ensure efficient use of resources. However, it remains unclear whether the program will be reinstated in the future.
To qualify for the 1890 scholarship, students had to meet specific academic requirements, including maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA and scoring at least 21 on the ACT or 1080 on the SAT. They also needed to major in fields related to agriculture, such as animal sciences, agribusiness management, botany, forestry, or natural resource management.
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Many students and educators hope that the USDA will reconsider its decision and restore funding for future applicants. The program has played a significant role in increasing diversity in agricultural sciences and providing opportunities for students who might not otherwise afford higher education. For now, current scholars can continue their education, but prospective students will need to look for alternative financial support.
