USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

What is the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program? Answer

What does a scholarship under the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program provide? Answer

Who should apply? Answer

What are the eligibility requirements for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program? Answer

What are the 1890 Land-Grant Universities? Answer

What is the application deadline for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program? Answer

Where can an application for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program be obtained? Answer

When are successful USDA/1890 National Scholars Program applicants notified? Answer

Where do I submit my application? Answer

Can I apply to more than one 1890 University? Answer

Will my application be considered if postmarked after February 1? Answer

What if I meet all eligibility criteria, except one, will I be considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship? Answer

Who can I contact for an update on the status of my application? Answer

Who selects scholars? Answer

If I am not selected, can I apply again? Answer

If I am entering my senior year of college, can I apply for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship? Answer

If I am a college student currently on a scholarship, am I still eligible for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship? Answer

What are USDA Agencies? Answer

How many scholarships are awarded each year? Answer

If I currently attend a non-1890 university and were selected, can I keep the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship and not attend an 1890 University? Answer

What is the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program?

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities, pursuing a bachelor degree in agriculture, natural resources, food science, nutrition, or related academic disciplines, and willing to work full-time in the USDA upon graduation.

What does a scholarship under the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program provide?

A scholarship under the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program provides:

• Full tuition;
• Fees;
• Books;
• Use of a laptop computer, printer, and software while
  on scholarship;
• Room and board for each of academic year of support.
• Employment with the USDA during the summer and after graduation;
• Employee benefits while employed with USDA;

Who should apply?

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors.

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What are the eligibility requirements for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program?

General Eligibility Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizens;
• Have an overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
• Demonstrate leadership and community service;
• Attend one of the eighteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities;
• Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines;
• Apply for admission to the 1890 University(s) of choice;
• Submit an official transcript with school seal and an authorized official’s signature;
• Sign all applications (original signatures only)

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, applicants must also meet the following requirements when applying for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Scholarship under the graduating high school senior and college student components.

Graduating High School Senior Component applicants must:

• Be a graduating high school senior;
• Expect to hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate;
• Have a combined verbal/math/written score of 1,500 or more on the SAT (note: 1000 or more combined for those universities that only accept verbal/math score) or a composite score of 21 or more on the ACT

College Student Component applicants must:

• Be entering sophomore or junior year of college;
• Submit a current resume;
• Submit two letters of recommendation;
• Submit a 500-800 word essay describing 1) your interest in USDA 2) how you envision the scholarship will impact you and your future as a public servant, and 3) your experience and perceptions about agriculture, food, and natural resource sciences

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What are the 1890 Land-Grant Universities?

The 1890 Land Grant Universities are:

• Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL
• Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
• Delaware State University, Dover, DE
• Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
• Fort Valley State University,
  Fort Valley, GA
• Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY
• Langston University, Langston, OK
• Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO
• North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC
• Prairie View A&M University,
  Prairie View, TX
• South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
• Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
• Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
• University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, AR
• University of Maryland-Eastern Shore,
  Princess Anne, MD
• Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
• West Virginia State University,
  Institute, WV

What is the application deadline for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program?

The application postmark deadline for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is February 1 of each year.

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Where can an application for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program be obtained?

Applications for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program can be obtained from the ASCR website, or by contacting the USDA/1890 office via email at 1890init@usda.gov.

When are successful USDA/1890 National Scholars Program applicants notified?

The review and selection process for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship occurs between February 2 and April 30 each year. The following chart illustrates the timeframes associated with the processes:

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Where do I submit my application?

Applications for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program must be mailed to the 1890 University of interest. The address for each 1890 is listed in the application. Applications that are not sent to the school or to the wrong address may be disqualified for consideration for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.

Can I apply to more than one 1890 University?

Yes. Applicants interested in being considered by more than one 1890 University should send an original copy to each school. As a reminder, the applications must contain original signatures and transcripts or they will be disqualified for consideration for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.

Will my application be considered if postmarked after February 1?

No. Due to the rigorous review and selection process schedule, applications postmarked after February 1, will not be considered. Applicants submitting late applications will be notified in writing.

What if I meet all eligibility criteria, except one, will I be considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship?

No. In fairness to other applicants and to maintain the integrity of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, only applicants that meet all minimum eligibility criteria will be considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship.

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Who can I contact for an update on the status of my application?

Applicants that are not notified within the timeframes listed above should contact the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program at 1890init@usda.gov. Please do not contact the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program regarding the status of an application before the identified timeframes for notifications.

Who selects scholars?

Applications for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program (NSP) scholarship are collected by a USDA/1890 Agricultural Liaison Officer (ALO) or designee at the 1890 University. The ALO assembles a panel of 1890 University stakeholders to review the applications for minimum criteria. All applicants meeting the minimum criteria are reviewed by the panel and ranked by consensus to develop a list of "top 10" finalists. The list of finalists serves as the 1890 Universities' concurrence that all finalists are acceptable selections for the scholarship. The list of finalists from each 1890 University is submitted to the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Manager for a quality assurance review to ensure all applicants meet the minimum criteria. The NSP Program Manager disseminates the applications to the participating Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agencies. The Agencies review the finalists' applications, conducts interviews with the finalists', and makes the selection of scholars. The entire process is approximately 90 days from the application deadline.

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If I am not selected, can I apply again?

Yes. Applicants that are not selected may reapply for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program in the future, as long as all eligibility criteria are met.

If I am entering my senior year of college, can I apply for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship?

No. Due to the minimum work experience hours each scholar must complete prior to receiving a bachelor degree, graduating seniors are not eligible to apply. However, applicants entering their senior year with at least two years left of school may be considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. These occurrences will be addressed on a case by case basis.

If I am a college student currently on a scholarship, am I still eligible for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship?

According to Federal regulations, scholars may not accept more than one financial support at one time. Current college students should contact the financial aid office at the 1890 University of interest to learn more about the funding rules.

What are USDA Agencies?

USDA Agencies are organizations within the USDA that provide services, regulations, oversight, and other programs to the agricultural industry and public. The Agencies participate in the USA/1890 National Scholars Program by providing the scholars with financial support while pursing their bachelor degree, summer work experience opportunities, and full-time employment after graduating with a bachelor degree. For more information on each USDA Agency, visit the USDA website at www.usda.gov.

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How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The number of USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is prepared to award 36 or more scholarships each year.

If I currently attend a non-1890 university and were selected, can I keep the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship and not attend an 1890 University?

No. The purpose of the UDSA/1890 National Program Scholarship is to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines at participating 1890 Universities

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