The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. The program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors. The goal of the scholarship is to increase the number of minorities studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and the related disciplines. The winning candidates will get full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship a student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale)
- Have been accepted for admission or currently attending one of the nineteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities.
- Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines
- Demonstrate leadership and community service
How to Apply:
- The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program 2017 High School Application can be downloaded from the given link: http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/2017%201890%20Scholars%20High%20School%20Application%20OMB%20Approved%20121515.pdf
- USDA/1890 National Scholars Program 2017 College Application can be downloaded from the given link: http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/2017%201890%20Scholars%20College%20Application%20OMB%20Approved%20Form.pdf
Supporting Documents:
For High School Application:
- Completed Privacy Act Advisory Statement and Release Form
- Completed Biographical Questionnaire
- Current resume
- 500-800 word essay on the designated topics
- High School Counselor’s Assessment Report in a sealed envelope
- High School Teacher’s Assessment Report in a sealed envelope
- Signed and dated application (including the signature of the parent of guardian, if the applicant is under the age of 18.
For College Application:
- Signed Privacy Act Advisory Statement and Release Form
- Completed Biographical Questionnaire
- Current Resume
- Two letters of recommendation (one from either the Department Head, Dean, or Vice President of your College or University, and one from a College or University Professor who has instructed the applicant)
- 500-800 word essay on the designated topics
- Official transcript with raised seal and/or the signature of an authorized college/ university official
- Original signed and dated application
Submitting Details:
All documents must be submitted in one application package. It can be sent to the university (or universities) selected by the applicant to attend. (University addresses and contact information are included in the back of the application.)
Financial Aid and Award Money:
- The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program will provide full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
- Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities.
Application Deadline:
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program 2017 Application deadline is Saturday, January 31, 2017.
Link for More Information:
http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/
Contact Information:
For any questions regarding the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, please contact:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
Office of Advocacy and Outreach
USDA/1890 Programs
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 0170
Washington, DC 20250
Telephone Number: (202) 720-6350
Fax Number: (202) 720-7136
Email: 1890init-at-usda.gov
