The USDA recently announced through their official website that they have reinstated the 1890 National Scholars Program.
Along with bringing back the fund, the department announced that they will be extending the application until March 15th from the initial March 1 deadline. The latest announcement comes days after the Trump administration suspended the scholarship for HBCU agriculture students. It was reportedly paused as part of a “review” conducted by Secretary Brooke Rollins to determine how taxpayer money is being used.
Following the announcement, there was public outcry amongst politicians and HBCU leaders. In an email, Alabama A&M’s Vice President of Government Affairs Shannon Reeves highlighted “the long-term negative impact on Alabama and the agriculture industry across the country” that cuts to the 1890 National Scholars Program could have, particularly as issues such as wildfires and bird flu persist.
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams also reacted with outrage, emphasizing how the suspension is “a clear attack” on a program dedicated to providing the funds for students who cannot afford college. Her peer Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, who is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, denounced the move as well, claiming that the program is a “lifeline” for students.
In a statement released once the announcement that the 1890 National Scholars Program will be returning was made, Jackson applauded the collaborative effort by HBCU leaders and fellow elected officials.
“This reinstatement is a testament to the power of collective action,” said Congressman Jackson per a statement. “It underscores the necessity for public pressure and awareness in challenging decisions that adversely affect our communities. Activism remains a crucial tool in countering agendas that seek to marginalize, such as the extreme MAGA ideologies promoted by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.”
Created in 1992, the 1890 National Scholars Program offers full tuition, fees, books as well as room and board for recipients interested in attending one of the 19 1890 universities. The scholarship’s main purpose is to increase the number of students from underserved communities who study agriculture, natural resources and other similar sciences.
Throughout 2024 alone, 94 1890 scholarships were awarded to students attending HBCUs such as Tennessee State University and Tuskegee University, awarding nearly $19.2 million in funds to the students.
