USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship is awarded annually and must be used at one of the eighteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions. Each award provides annual tuition, fees, books, room and board, employee benefits, use of a laptop computer, printer and software while on scholarship, for each academic year. The scholars is required to work in the Student Educational Employment Program during school breaks (typically during the summer) and agree to 1 year of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each year of financial support at the completion of the scholar’s bachelor degree program. Each annual scholarship renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance and normal progress toward the bachelor degree.

General Eligibility

Applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen


• Be interested in attending one of the eighteen 1890 Historically Grant Institutions


• Be a graduating high school senior or expect to hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate


• Have a minimum cumulative GPA or 3.0 or better


• Have scored 1000 on the SAT (math & critical reading); or 21 on the ACT


• Intend to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences disciplines or other USDA career related field (including accounting, marketing, computer science, and many more


• Demonstrate leadership and community service


• Submit an official transcript with the school seal and an authorized official’s signature


• Submit a signed application (original signature only)

Application Deadline

All application materials must be postmarked no later than February 1 DEADLINE and sent to the university(s) selected by the applicant to attend. To get your application, come to the Guidance Office and see Dr. Conley.