The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, Belinda Demmings, USDA liaison for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, said. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.
USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Demmings said. During the summer months while in college, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency, including employee benefits. After graduation, all USDA/1890 National Scholars are employed by their selected agency and must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided.
National scholars must major in agriculture or related sciences which include agronomy, animal sciences, botany, food sciences and technology, forestry, home economics and nutrition, horticulture, natural resources management, soil conservation, farm and range management, pre-veterinary medicine and computer science.
“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program helps to create a pipeline of skilled employees for USDA and the U.S. agriculture sector,” Lisa Ramirez, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, said in a press release. “By introducing young people to the array of needs and priorities in food, agriculture and natural resources, the program supports USDA’s efforts to provide career opportunities for the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture.”
Applicants must apply online using the e-application form, which can be found at the following web address: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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