Scholarship Program for Underserved and Rural Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities Put on Hold
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended the 1890 Scholars Program, which provided full tuition and fees to students from underserved and rural areas attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The program, which has been in place since 1992, aimed to boost students from these areas pursuing agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences at one of the 19 1890 land grant institutions.
What is the 1890 Scholars Program?
The 1890 Scholars Program was established to provide opportunities for students from underserved and rural areas to pursue higher education at HBCUs. The program is named after the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which established HBCUs. The program provides full tuition and fees for students studying agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences at one of the 19 1890 land grant institutions.
Why was the program suspended?
The program was suspended pending further review, according to a statement on the program’s website. The suspension coincides with a funding freeze implemented by the White House, which aims to review spending to ensure alignment with presidential executive orders on issues like climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Impact on Students
The suspension of the program has left students and faculty concerned about the future of the program. According to a spokesperson for the department, every scholar, regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the department. The spokesperson also stated that Secretary Brooke Rollins will review the scholarship program, its mission, and its metrics to ensure taxpayer resources are used efficiently.
Affected Universities
The following universities are affected by the suspension of the program:
- Alabama A&M
- Florida A&M
- North Carolina A&T
- Tuskegee University in Alabama
- Other 15 institutions
Eligibility Rules
To be eligible for the program, students must be a U.S. citizen with a GPA of 3.0 or better, acceptance to one of the 19 1890 land grant universities, and study agriculture or related fields. Eligible students must also demonstrate leadership and community service, according to the department’s site.
Funding
In October, the department set aside $19.2 million for the program. In fiscal year 2024, 94 students were awarded scholarships, according to the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 1890 Scholars Program?
A: The 1890 Scholars Program is a federal scholarship aimed at boosting students from underserved and rural areas attending historically Black colleges and universities.
Q: Why was the program suspended?
A: The program was suspended pending further review, coinciding with a funding freeze implemented by the White House to review spending alignment with presidential executive orders.
Q: How many students were affected by the suspension?
A: Over 300 students were affected by the suspension, regardless of matriculation date.
Q: What is the impact on students?
A: Students and faculty are concerned about the future of the program, and every scholar was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the department.
Q: Will the program be reinstated?
A: The program’s future is uncertain, pending the review by Secretary Brooke Rollins and the department’s evaluation of its mission and metrics.
Conclusion
The suspension of the 1890 Scholars Program has left students and faculty concerned about the future of the program. The program’s mission to boost students from underserved and rural areas attending HBCUs remains uncertain, pending the review by Secretary Brooke Rollins and the department’s evaluation of its mission and metrics.
