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USDA announces 1890 National Scholarships funding opportunity

by USDA


Posted on Apr 03, 2019 at 0:00 AM


The USDA is now accepting applications for the 2019 cycle of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program aims to increase the number of minority students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other agriculture-related disciplines. The program is available through the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 1890 historically black land-grant colleges and universities, including Fort Valley State University. The program provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. When the student has completed the academic and summer work requirements of the scholarship, USDA may at its discretion convert the student to a permanent employee without further competition. Since 2014, USDA has provided opportunities for nearly 140 scholars.

This program is among several USDA efforts to build the capacity of historically black land-grant universities. Since the passage of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, USDA has supported scholarships, research, education, extension activities and grants for facilities and equipment at these institutions.

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, and rising college sophomores and juniors. General requirements include U.S. citizenship, a cumulative year-end GPA of 3.0 or higher, and acceptance to, or current attendance of, an 1890s institution to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences and related academic disciplines. The scholarship is renewable each year and is contingent on satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward a bachelor’s degree. Additional requirements are listed in the application package.

All application materials must be postmarked by April 30. To download and print the 2019 high school application, visit www.gfb.ag/USDA1890hsapp.  To download and print the 2019 application for current college students visit www.gfb.ag/USDA1890collapp.


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