The U.S. Department of Agriculture building is seen in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Jose Luis Magana | AP Photo)AP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended its 1890 National Scholars Program, a scholarship aimed at bolstering educational and career opportunities for students from rural or underserved communities.
Since 1992, the USDA has paved the way for recipients to pursue careers in agriculture, nutrition, food and more. The scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books and room and board. In addition, the 1890 National Scholar Program connects the students with internship and work opportunities at USDA agencies and offices. Last year, the USDA awarded 94 scholarships, allocating more than $19 million, according to The Hill.
The 1890 National Scholars Program’s suspension will impact incoming and current students at 19 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), including Prairie View A&M University in Texas.
Just last month, the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement – which oversees the 1890 National Scholars Program – announced that applications had opened for the scholarship.
However, the program website now has an undated notice that reads, “The 1890 Scholars Program has been suspended pending further review.”
A spokesperson for the USDA told The Hill that the agency retained all of its more than 300 scholars, “regardless of matriculation date,” to finish their studies and complete their work with the USDA.
“In line with President Trump’s directive, USDA is optimizing operations and strengthening its ability to serve farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community,” said the spokesperson. “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.”
Prairie View A&M University did not respond to LoneStarLive.com’s request for comment by the time of publication.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus voiced their outrage at the USDA’s decision to suspend the 1890 National Scholars Program.
“It is infuriating that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended the 1890 Scholars Program ‘pending further review,’” said Rep. Alma S. Adams, D-N.C., in a press release Thursday.
The congresswoman referred to the suspension as “targeted and mean-spirited” and “a clear attack on an invaluable program.”
“This program is a correction to a long history of racial discrimination within the land-grant system, not an example of it,” Adams added.
The North Carolina congresswoman demanded the USDA reinstate the program before the application deadline on March 1, 2025.
CBC Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., also weighed in, sharing her frustration with the Trump administration’s decision.
“President Trump repeatedly promised the American people that he would work to lower the costs of living and create greater access to economic opportunity, including for Black communities,” said Clarke. “Since January 20th, 2025 this administration has been on a cruel rampage, showing us every day that hard working Americans are not their priority. Instead of working to make our lives better, the Trump administration continues to try to take our country backward.”
U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr., a federal judge in Rhode Island, blocked Trump’s federal funding freeze with a temporary restraining order at the end of January, after attorneys general in 22 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the funding freeze.
McConnell heard arguments Friday to determine whether the freeze is unlawful. The judge said he intends to decide whether to grant an injunction on the funding freeze within a week, according to The Associated Press.
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