The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, Dr. Obadiah Njue, interim dean for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, said. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.
USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Dr. Njue said. During the summer months while in college, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency, including employee benefits. After graduation, all USDA/1890 National Scholars are employed by their selected agency and must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided.
National scholars must major in agriculture or related sciences which include agronomy, animal sciences, plant sciences, food sciences and technology, forestry, home economics and nutrition, horticulture, natural resources management, soil conservation, farm and range management, pre-veterinary medicine and computer science.