USDA halts scholarship program for students attending historically Black colleges

WASHINGTON — A federal scholarship initiative designed to support students from underrepresented and rural communities attending historically Black colleges and universities is currently on pause. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended the 1890 Scholars Program, which previously offered recipients full tuition and fees for those pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences at 19 universities known as the 1890 land grant institutions.

Although the exact timing of the program’s suspension remains unclear, some Congressional representatives voiced their concerns regarding this decision as early as Thursday. The Department of Agriculture confirmed the halt in a message on the program’s official website, stating, “The 1890 Scholars Program has been suspended pending further review.”

This suspension is linked to a funding freeze instated by the administration of President Donald Trump. Officials had remarked that the pause was necessary to examine whether the existing expenditures complied with Trump’s executive orders addressing matters such as climate change, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

In an email sent over the weekend, a department spokesperson assured that all scholars—over 300 in total—regardless of when they enrolled, will be able to continue their studies and complete their obligations with the Department. The spokesperson indicated that Secretary Brooke Rollins would evaluate the scholarship program, including its mission and effectiveness metrics, to ensure optimal use of taxpayer funds.

The funding freeze has faced legal challenges, leading to a temporary injunction on the executive action involved. Affected institutions include Alabama A&M, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, and Tuskegee University in Alabama, among others.

Established in 1992, the scholarship program derives its name from the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which was instrumental in the establishment of historically Black colleges and universities. Eligibility for the program mandates that applicants be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0, in addition to being accepted at one of the 19 designated 1890 land grant universities. Eligible participants must also focus on agriculture or related disciplines and demonstrate leadership and community involvement, as indicated on the department’s website.

In October, it was announced that $19.2 million had been allocated for the program. For the fiscal year 2024, scholarships were awarded to 94 students, according to departmental sources.