USDA suspends scholarship program at HBCUs, including NC A&T

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended its 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides full scholarships to students from rural and underserved communities attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). According to the USDA’s website, the program is under review, but no specific reasons for the suspension have been provided.

Established in 1992 as part of a partnership between the USDA and the nation’s 19 historically Black land-grant universities, the 1890 National Scholars Program was created to promote education and employment opportunities in agriculture and related fields. The program covers full tuition, fees, books, and room and board, ensuring financial support for students throughout their academic journey. In fiscal year 2024, the USDA awarded 94 scholarships through this initiative.

North Carolina Representative Alma Adams, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, condemned the suspension, calling it “a clear attack on an invaluable program that makes higher education accessible for everybody.” She emphasized that the program plays a crucial role in addressing historical racial discrimination within the land-grant system.

The suspension follows executive orders from the Trump Administration that rolled back federal diversity and inclusion efforts. As the USDA conducts its review, advocates, and stakeholders are expected to push for the program’s reinstatement, citing its significance in supporting students and diversifying the agricultural workforce.

These are the (19) 1890 universities:

• Alabama A&M University
• Alcorn State University, Mississippi
• Central State University, Ohio
• Delaware State University
• Florida A&M University
• Fort Valley State University, Georgia
• Kentucky State University
• Langston University, Oklahoma
• Lincoln University, Missouri
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Prairie View A&M University, Texas
• South Carolina State University
• Southern University, Louisiana
• Tennessee State University
• Tuskegee University, Alabama
• University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Virginia State University
• West Virginia State University

NC A&T is the nation’s largest HBCU and a leading 1890 land-grant institution, is significantly affected by the USDA’s suspension of the program. 

1. Loss of Financial Support for Students

   • The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program provides full scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, and room and board for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food sciences, and related fields.
   • With the suspension, students at NC A&T who rely on this funding may face financial hardship, forcing some to take on debt or reconsider their education plans.

2. Impact on Agriculture and STEM Programs

   • NC A&T has a strong reputation for agricultural research and innovation, training the next generation of Black scientists, engineers, and policymakers in food and environmental sciences.
   • Without these scholarships, the pipeline of diverse talent entering agricultural careers and research fields could shrink, affecting workforce development in a sector already struggling with diversity.

3. HBCU Advocacy and Leadership

   • NC A&T has been a leader among the 1890 land-grant universities in advocating for federal support for minority-serving institutions.
   • Faculty, administrators, and students are expected to push back against the USDA’s decision, joining voices like Rep. Alma Adams in calling for the program’s reinstatement.

4. Potential Decline in Enrollment for Agriculture Majors

   • The suspension may deter prospective students from choosing NC A&T for agriculture-related degrees, as financial incentives like full-ride scholarships are often a key factor in college decisions.
   • This could impact program growth, research funding, and industry partnerships tied to student enrollment and workforce preparation.

With no clear explanation from the USDA for the suspension, NC A&T and other 1890 land-grant institutions will likely seek answers and fight to reinstate the program. The university’s leadership may also work to secure alternative funding sources for affected students.