USDA Suspends 1890 National Scholars Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended the 1890 National Scholars Program, a scholarship initiative supporting students at 19 historically Black land-grant universities, as part of a review of federal programs aligning with Trump administration policies. The suspension raises concerns about educational access for underserved communities, with universities like Florida A&M University and Kentucky State University affected. Established in 1992, the program provided full scholarships to students in agriculture and related fields to address imbalances and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers and advocates who view it as an attack on opportunities for students in fields like food safety and agriculture. Current scholars will continue to receive benefits, but future cohorts may not, leaving a potential absence of new USDA scholars for the 2025 academic year. The suspension coincides with broader DEI rollbacks and a funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, impacting diverse individuals.