The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is accepting applications for the 2025 academic year. This program provides a pivotal opportunity for students nationwide from rural and underserved communities. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 7 through March 1, allowing eligible candidates to secure a path toward higher education in agriculture, food, and natural resource sciences.
Established in 1992 as a collaborative initiative between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 land-grant universities, the program aims to increase the representation of students from underserved backgrounds in the agriculture sector. The USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement manages the program, underscoring its commitment to fostering educational growth and career opportunities within these communities.
Scholarship recipients will receive full tuition, fees, books, room and board, and potential work experience at USDA facilities. In Fiscal Year 2024, USDA awarded 94 scholarships, demonstrating the program’s impact on student success in the agri-food sectors.
Who Can Apply for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program?
Students interested in applying must meet several eligibility criteria. They must be a U.S. citizen, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and achieve a minimum score of 21 on the ACT or 1080 on the SAT. Applicants must be accepted into or currently attend one of the 19 designated 1890 land-grant universities, which include institutions such as Florida A&M University, Alabama A&M University, and North Carolina A&T State University.
To apply, prospective scholars must submit official transcript high school and college transcipts, a completed application form, and a series of essays responding to specific prompts about their academic and career aspirations.
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program emphasizes not just academic achievement but also community service and leadership qualities. For more information on the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, can click here for more information.
