The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently suspended its 1890 National Scholars Program, a pivotal initiative that has, since 1992, provided full scholarships to students from rural and underserved communities attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This program aimed to bolster the number of graduates in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related fields from these institutions.
The suspension, noted on the program’s website as “pending further review,” has raised significant concerns among educators, policymakers, and students. In the fiscal year 2024, the USDA allocated $19.2 million through this program, benefiting 94 students across 19 HBCUs, including prominent institutions such as Tennessee State University, Florida A&M University, and Tuskegee University. These scholarships covered comprehensive educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
The suspension aligns with a broader funding freeze instituted by President Donald Trump’s administration, aimed at reviewing federal programs for alignment with recent executive orders on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This move has prompted criticism from various quarters. Representative Alma Adams of North Carolina, founder and co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, described the suspension as “a clear attack on an invaluable program that makes higher education accessible for everybody.” She emphasized that the program serves as a corrective measure to address historical racial discrimination within the land-grant university system.
Despite the suspension, the USDA has assured that all current scholars—over 300 students—will retain their scholarships and be allowed to complete their studies. Secretary Brooke Rollins is set to review the program to ensure that taxpayer resources are utilized efficiently.
The 1890 National Scholars Program holds historical significance, being named after the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which established land-grant institutions dedicated to the education of Black students in agriculture and mechanical arts. The recent suspension has ignited a debate about the future of such programs and their role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the agricultural sector.
As the USDA conducts its review, stakeholders from educational institutions, advocacy groups, and affected communities are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for the reinstatement of the program to continue supporting students from underserved backgrounds in pursuing careers in agriculture and related fields.