USDA Welcomes Applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program

WASHINGTON, DC — January 16, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially opened applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. This initiative is aimed at encouraging students from the 1890 land-grant universities to embark on careers in the fields of food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. Interested applicants have until March 8, 2026 to submit their applications online.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to eligible high school seniors planning to enter college as freshmen at one of the 1890 land-grant universities, as well as rising college sophomores and juniors pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related fields.

Supporting Future Leaders in Agriculture

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Our land-grant universities, particularly the 1890 institutions, play a vital role in training the next generation of agriculturists. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program not only provides students with hands-on work experience but also supports their educational journeys.” Rollins further noted the commitment of President Trump to enhance excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), reinforcing USDA’s dedication to this mission.

Program Benefits

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a collaboration between the USDA and the 19 land-grant universities established under the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1890. Scholars selected for this program will gain invaluable work experience through summer internships at USDA and receive financial assistance to further their education.

Commitment to Diversity in Agriculture

This initiative supports Executive Order 14283, which aims to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs, and builds on the USDA’s long-standing commitment to developing leadership within public land-grant universities to cultivate the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Participating Schools

The 19 institutions of the 1890 universities system include:

• Alabama A&M
• Alcorn State University
• Central State University
• 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 and A&M College
• Tennessee State University
• Tuskegee University
• University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Virginia State University
• West Virginia State University

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