Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a USDA statement clarifying that current students in the program will be allowed to finish it.
The USDA has suspended a scholarship program that gave students from underserved communities money to attend HBCUs for specific training. Students at one Mississippi university could be affected if it’s not reinstated. Here’s what we know.
According to the website for the 1890 Scholars Program, the scholarships have “been suspended pending further review.”
The program gave $19.2 million to scholarships for 94 students in fiscal year 2024. Per the USDA, it provided “full tuition, fees, books, room and board” to recipients.
The funds, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), went toward increasing the number of students studying agriculture and related majors, animal science, botany, forestry and more. Nineteen 1890 land grant colleges, all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are part of the program.
“The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. The program is a crucial part of USDA’s Next Generation efforts,” the site reads.
On Friday, the following USDA statement was provided:
“To be clear, every scholar — over 300 — regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department. In line with President Trump’s directive, USDA is optimizing operations and strengthening its ability to serve farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Like other programs within the Department, Secretary Rollins will continue to review the 1890 National Scholars Program, its mission, and its metrics to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer resources.”
Here’s what we know about the 1890 scholarship program.
Alcorn State University in Lorman is part of the program. It’s the country’s oldest land-grant HBCU.
According to a December news release from the school, a dozen students were selected to be part of the 1890 Scholars Program.
“Being named an 1890 Scholar has expanded my growth on the academic and personal fronts and been a life-changing event. I expanded my knowledge and abilities by participating in the program, which gave me access to special research possibilities in environmental sciences, sustainability, and agriculture. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds and learning from dedicated mentors fostered a strong sense of community and belonging,” Je’Milya Hudson, an Alcorn State 1890 Scholar, said in December.
“I also developed a stronger sense of obligation to apply my degree to underprivileged populations’ benefit, especially in the rural and agricultural sectors. Overall, knowing that I can have a positive impact on others has motivated me to pursue my career with purpose thanks to the 1890 Scholarship.”
According to the release from Alcorn, students in the program could get the chance to work with:
According to the USDA, these 19 HBCUs are part of the program:
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According to an Alcorn news release issued in December, a dozen students from Mississippi were part of the USDA scholarship program.
Je’Milya Hudson, a sophomore from Tchula, worked with the Farm Service Agency. She is majoring in Agribusiness management.
Vinterrious Hunt, a freshman from Kosciusko, also worked with the Farm Service Agency. He is majoring in agriculture science with a concentration in agricultural education.
Christian Jones, a freshman from Heidelberg, worked with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. His major is agribusiness management.
Conrad Amos, a freshman from D’Iberville, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He’s majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in animal science.
Kaiden Hollins, a freshman from Harrisville, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They’re majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in plant and soil science.
Erionna Jarvis, a junior from Centreville, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. She’s majoring in agribusiness management.
K’Cy Jones, a freshman from Canton, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They’re majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in plant and soil science.
Jo’Shariah McCray, a freshman from Leland, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They’re majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in environmental science.
Jaylon McDougal, a freshman from Jackson, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They’re majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in plant and soil science.
NiShan Shears, a freshman from Jackson, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They’re majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in plant and soil science.
Kendalyn Washington, a senior from Pearl, worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. She’s majoring in agricultural science with a concentration in animal science.
Anthony Henry, a freshman from Jackson, worked with the Farm Service Agency. He’s majoring in agricultural science with plant and soil science emphasis.
The program was created in 1992.
“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. Since the program was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, NIFA has invested $92 million to support 3,274 scholarships to help recruit, engage, retain, mentor and train undergraduate students at the 19 1890 Land-grant Universities.”
National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Dr. Manjit Misra, in an October 2024 news release
The program was open to high school seniors and rising sophomores and junior at the college level. The application process was originally slated to be open through March 1.
The funds could be renewed each year, depending on academic performance.
According to the USDA, applicants had to meet the following criteria:
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The USDA said scholars must study one of these majors:
That’s unknown at this time.
Reuters reporters determined the message about the suspension has been on the site since at least Feb. 16 by looking at archived versions of the webpage.
Reporting from Reuters contributed to this story.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
