USDA Suspends Scholarship Program

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended a scholarship program that provided funding to students from underserved communities to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for specific training in fields such as agriculture, animal science, and forestry. The program, known as the 1890 Scholars Program, had provided $19.2 million in scholarships to 94 students in fiscal year 2024, covering full tuition, fees, books, room, and board, as well as offering work experience at the USDA. The suspension of the program has raised concerns among students and educators at the 19 HBCUs that participate in the program, including Alcorn State University in Mississippi, which is the country's oldest land-grant HBCU.

According to the USDA, current students in the program will be allowed to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department, with over 300 scholars retained to finish their studies. The USDA stated that the suspension is part of an effort to optimize operations and strengthen its ability to serve farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community, with Secretary Rollins reviewing the program to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer resources. The program was created in 1992 and had invested $92 million to support 3,274 scholarships since its authorization in the 2018 Farm Bill. The suspension of the program has been met with concern from students and educators, who see it as a critical component in building a future workforce that represents American society.

The 1890 Scholars Program was open to high school seniors and rising sophomores and juniors at the college level, with applicants required to study one of the specified majors, such as agriculture, animal science, or forestry. The funds could be renewed each year, depending on academic performance, and students in the program could get the chance to work with various USDA agencies, such as the Farm Service Agency or the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program's suspension has left many students and educators uncertain about the future of the program and its impact on the students who rely on it for financial support and career development.

Here is a list of the 19 HBCUs that participate in the 1890 Scholars Program: * Alcorn State University * Alabama A&M University * Arkansas AM&N College * Delaware State University * Florida A&M University * Fort Valley State University * Kentucky State University * Langston University * Lincoln University * North Carolina A&T State University * Prairie View A&M University * South Carolina State University * Southern University * Tennessee State University * Tuskegee University * University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff * University of Maryland Eastern Shore * Virginia State University * West Virginia State University

The suspension of the 1890 Scholars Program has significant implications for the students and communities that rely on it, and it remains to be seen how the USDA will address the concerns and uncertainty surrounding the program's future. As the USDA continues to review the program, it is essential to consider the impact on the students and the agriculture community, and to ensure that the program is optimized to serve the needs of all stakeholders involved.