USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

OMB No.: 0503-0015

United States Department of Agriculture
USDA/1890 National Scholars
Program
2021 COLLEGE APPLICATION

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

March 8, 2019

OMB No.: 0503-0015

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)1890 National
Scholars Program. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as
part of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 Land-Grant
Universities.
The goal of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is to increase the number of students
studying agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, and other related disciplines. The
program is open to high school seniors, rising college sophomores, and juniors who exhibit
exemplary leadership traits and demonstrated community service. The Scholarship is highly
competitive and provides for full tuition payment, among other benefits, for up to 4-years to
selected students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an 1890 Land-Grant University. The
1890 National Scholars Program partners with USDA agencies and staff offices to provide
scholars with professional and educational opportunities. A sponsoring Agency Coordinator
will be assigned to the scholar. The program Agency Coordinator will be the primary point of
contact of scholar. The Sponsoring Agency will work closely with scholars to provide ongoing
support and ensure the Scholar is on track with degree requirements.
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is implemented under the USDA Fellows
Experience Program (FEP). Scholars accepted into the program will be appointed using the
Schedule A(r) authority (5CFR 213.3202) and are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to
full-time employment upon graduation. If selected, commit to at least one year of service to
USDA for each year of financial assistance provided.1
The USDA/1890 National Scholar is required to:

 Commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided .
 Reimburse the USDA Sponsoring Agency for costs of education (excluding the employee's pay
and allowances) incurred by the USDA Sponsoring Agency, if the Scholar voluntarily separates
from the service of the USDA Sponsoring Agency before the end of the period for which the
Scholar has agreed to continue in the service of USDA .
 Consult with and obtain the approval of the Sponsoring Agency prior to making any changes to
their academic program. Unapproved changes may affect the Scholar's continued participation in
the program, such as scholar's participation in study abroad programs, third party internships and
leave of absence. The Scholar is expected to meet with Agency Coordinator to go over degree
classes and ongoing academic status.
 The Scholar must coordinate summer work experience through the their summer work site
manager. The Scholar must report to work site and have a record of their individual development
plan.
Again, thank you for your interest in the USDA/1890 National Program and best wishes in your
pursuit of academic excellence!
1Specific

details of this "service requirement" will be outlined in the agreement entered into by the selected Scholar, the University at which the

scholar is matriculated, and the USDA sponsoring agency. The "service requirement" is subject to change.

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March 8, 2019

OMB No.: 0503-0015

USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The USDA/1890 National Program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. The program awards scholarships
to students accepted and attending one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities in pursuit of a
bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food sciences, natural resource science, or a related academic
discipline(s).The 1890 Land-Grant Universities are:

Alabama A&M University
Alcorn State University (Mississippi)
Central State University (Ohio)
Delaware State University
Florida A&M University
Fort Valley State University (Georgia)
Kentucky State University
Langston University (Oklahoma)
Lincoln University (Missouri)

North Carolina A&T State University
Prairie View A&M University (Texas)
South Carolina State University
Southern A&M University (Louisiana)
Tennessee State University
Tuskegee University (Alabama)
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Virginia State University
West Virginia State University

AUTHORITIES
• Legislative authority of the Second Morrill Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321-326 and 328);

• National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-113,
1402, et seq 7 U.S.C. § 3101);

• Office of Personnel Management, Training (5 C.F.R part 410);

• Schedule A (r) federal Experience Authority (5 C.F.R. 213.312 ((r));

• Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR ACT), Title IX, Section 922
(7 U.S.C § 2279c);

• Executive Order 13779, White House Initiative on historically Black Colleges and Universities,
signed February 18, 2017 continued by Executive Order 13811, signed September 29
September 2017.

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PURPOSE
The purposes of the USDA/1890 National Program are:
 To strengthen the long-term partnership between USDA and the 1890 Land-Grant
Universities.
 To promote increase cooperation among the parties in all areas of mutual interest.
 To improve USDA’s outreach efforts within the communities served by 1890 LandGrant Universities and USDA.
 To increase the number of students studying and pursuing careers in agriculture, food
sciences, and natural resources sciences or other related disciplines.

OBJECTIVE
The USDA/1890 National Program offers scholarships to U.S. citizens who are seeking a
bachelor’s degree at one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities pursuing a bachelor's degree in
any of the fields of study within agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or
other related disciplines. Examples of required fields of study or related disciplines are:
Water Resource Management
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics
Agricultural Production and
Technology Agronomy or Crop
Science
Animal Sciences/Botany
Business Management
Farm and Range Management
Financial Management

Forestry and Related Sciences
Food Sciences/Technology
Home Economics/Nutrition
Horticulture
Natural Resources Management
Soil Conservation/Soil Science
Other related disciplines, (e.g., non-medical
biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine,
computer sciences)

AWARD
Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 LandGrant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as fees, books,
and room and board, renewable each year for the term of the scholarship. The
scholarship renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance,
summer work performance and progress towards the bachelor's degree.
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GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

Applicant must:
 Be a U.S. citizen
 Have been admitted and enrolled as a full-time student in one of the 1890 Land-Grant
Universities.
 Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
 Intend to study and work in the field of agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences,
or other related disciplines.
 Demonstrate leadership and community service.
 Submit a current official transcript with the school seal and/or the signature of an authorized
school official (preferably through the most recent semester).
 Submit a 500-800 word essay describing: 1) your interest in working for 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 sciences, and natural resource
sciences.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
All application materials must be postmarked no later than January 31, XXXX and delivered to
the USDA/1890 Program Liaison at the University or Universities selected by the applicant.
SELECTION PROCESS
If selected, the student will be contact by the sponsoring Agency Coordinator coordinator. The
applicant will be given an opportunity to ask questions related to the agency, the job and Program
expectations. Selected applicants should contact their Agency Coordinator with any unanswered
questions or concerns related to agency, summer experience or academic requirements.
Applications Must Be Postmarked by January 31, XXXX.

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INSTRUCTIONS
Only complete application packages submitted by the deadline of January 31, XXXX
will be considered. Complete application packages must include the following:
 Signed Privacy Act Advisory Statement and Release Form
 Completed Biographical Questionnaire
 Current Resume
 Two letters of recommendation (one from either the Department Head, Dean, or
Vice President of your College or University, and one from a College or University
Professor who has instructed the applicant)
 500-800 word essay on the designated topics
 Official transcript with raised seal and/or the signature of an authorized college/
university official
 Original signed and dated application
All documents must be submitted in one application package.
The application package must be postmarked by the application deadline January 31, XXXX.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the current official transcript is submitted by the application
deadline.
All application materials must be originals, with original signatures, seals and/or stamps. Application
materials containing photocopied signatures and transcripts will not be considered for the USDA/1890
National Scholarship Program.
SELECTION PROCESS
If selected, the student will be contact by the sponsoring Agency Coordinator. The applicant will be
given an opportunity to ask questions related to the agency, the job and the expectations. Selected
applicants should contact their Agency Coordinator with any unanswered questions or concerns related
to agency, summer experience or academic requirements.
Applications Must Be Postmarked by January 31, XXXX.
Note: The application may be printed and filled in by hand using black or blue ink only.

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PRIVACY ACT ADVISORY STATEMENT
The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in
connection with this request for information. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements
for this Act, please be advised:
1. Furnishing this information requested is voluntary.
2. The data will be used for selection of USDA/1890 National Scholars, printing of
certificates and related activities.
3. The data is maintained in a privacy act system of records as defined by National
Archives and Records Administration under Office of Management and Budget
(OMB).
4. Failure to complete the form will mean that you cannot be included among those
candidates being considered for designation as a USDA/1890 National Program.

Affirmation of Candidacy and Authorization for Release of Information and/or
Photographs
I,
, understand that I am a candidate for the honor of
USDA/1890 National Scholar, and have read the Privacy Act Advisory Statement, and affirm my
wish to be considered. In the event I am named a Scholar, permission is hereby given for the
release of materials submitted by me for the use of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the
1890 Land-Grant Universities as deemed appropriate for purposes of the USDA/1890 National
Program.
I further consent to the release of photographs that may be taken of me, by or for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture in connection with the Program. I am (check one) willing
unwilling
to appear on radio and/or television if such arrangements are made by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture in connection with the USDA/1890 National Program.

Printed name:

Signature:

Date signed:

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Candidate’s Biographical Questionnaire
The questions that follow are designed to collect information about your background, your
interests, and your plans. Your answers to these questions will be used only in connection with
your application for this scholarship program and will be divulged only to qualified persons who
must see them in the course of their duties.
A. Biographical Information
Legal Name (Please print in full):
Last
Sex: F

First

Middle

M

Permanent Address:
Street

city/town

State

Zip

Telephone Numbers:
Home:
Cell:
Age:

Are you a U.S. Citizen?

Yes

No

Email Address:
B. Education
1. Name of College/University currently attending:
Address:
Street
Telephone:

City/Town

State

Zip

GPA: (on a 4.0 unweighted scale):
Note: Grade point average should match supporting documentation submitted with the application. Only applicants meeting
minimum GPA criteria will be considered for the USDA/1890 National Program scholarship. Do not submit an application
if you do not meet this criteria.

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2. List any other schools that you attended in the last 4 years. List the schools in order of
attendance, with the one you attended most recently listed first.
Name Of School

Address

Attendance
Dates

3. Name(s) of the 1890 Land-Grant University (or Universities) you
are attending or to which you are applying. If accepted at multiple 1890 Land-Grant
Universities, please list in order of preference (i.e. 1=Most Preferred, 3=Least
Preferred) Note: applicants applying to more than one 1890 Land-Grant University must submit separate USDA/1890
national Scholars applications for each University.

1.
2.
3.
4. What course of study (declared major) will you pursue?
1st choice:
2nd choice:
Other Related Discipline/Unlisted Major (please identify):
Note: All academic disciplines may not be available at every 1890 Land-Grant University. Check the University’s
academic offerings before applying for the scholarship.

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5. Have you made career decisions related to agriculture, food sciences, natural resource
sciences or related disciplines? Yes
No
(if yes, please explain
below)

C. Extracurricular Activities
List volunteer services and jobs you have held in the past 4 years (be concise and limit
your responses to the space provided) including summer employment
Activity

Participation
Dates

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Title/Position held

Awards (include monetary,
plaques, or letters of commendation
or appreciation)

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D. Essay: Submit a 500-800 word essay describing: 1) your interest in working for USDA, 2) how you
envision the scholarship will impact you and your future as a public servant, and your
experience and perceptions about agriculture, food sciences, and natural resource sciences.
Note: You may provide your essay below or you may attach a type-written copy of your essay to the application.

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Signatory Page
Final Note: Review this form to make sure you have answered all questions completely.
Proofread, spell-check and edit your responses for completeness.
Certification
I certify that I completed this application and that all statements are true and accurate to the best
of my knowledge. I understand that a false statement could eliminate me from consideration for
this scholarship.

Print Your Legal Name

Signature

Date Signed

Note: This form must be postmarked for return to each 1890 Land-Grant University of your
choice no later than January 31, XXXX.
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APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. I have read and understand the eligibility requirements, and meet all eligibility
criteria.
2. I am submitting an original application and transcript to each 1890 University
of interest (see mailing addresses on page 15 of this application).
3. I have applied for admission or am currently enrolled at each 1890 Historically
Black Land-Grant University of interest.
4. I have read and completed the Candidate’s Biographical Information section.
5. I have enclosed two letters of recommendation from the following:
1. Department Head, Dean of College, or one of the University Vice
Presidents
2. College Professor who has served as an instructor in one of my courses

6. I have enclosed a 500-800 word essay describing:
1 . My interest in working for USDA,
2. How I envision the scholarship will impact me and my future as a public
servant,
3. My experiences and perceptions about agriculture, food sciences, and
natural resource sciences.
7.

I have signed and dated the application (original signature only).

8. I understand that the application package must be postmarked no
later than midnight January 31, XXXX for consideration for the
USDA/1890 National Program.

Voluntary Marketing Survey
How did you hear about the USDA/1890 National Program?)
Check (all

Event

Location

that apply)

College Fair(s)
Academic/Financial
Advisor
Professor
Direct Mail/ Email
USDA Employee
Place of worship
Other(please specifiy)

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1890 Land-Grant Universities
Liaison Directory
Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Alabama A&M University
Post Office Box 1087
Normal, AL 35762
(202) 570-3926

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Fort Valley State University
1005 State University Drive
Pettigrew Center, Room 244
Fort Valley, GA 31030
(202) 253-4218

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Alcorn State University
P.O. Box 314
Lorman, MS 39096
(202) 596-0478

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Kentucky State University
Cooperative Extension Facility,
400 East Main Street, Room 221
Frankfort, KY 40601
(202) 570-5202

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Central State University
1400 Brush Row Road
McLin Building, Room 210
Wilberforce, OH 45384
(202) 596-0140

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Langston University
School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
100 Success Drive, Room V115
Langston, OK 73050
(202) 263-9209

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Delaware State University
CARS Ag Annex, Room 108F
1200 North Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 1991
(202) 308-7687

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Lincoln University
818 Lee Drive
108 Bennett Hall
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(202) 264-0736

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Florida A&M University
1740 South Martin L. King Jr., Boulevard
Room 217, S. Perry-Paige Building
Tallahassee, FL 32307-4100
(202) 510-6301

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
North Carolina A&T University
1601 East Market Street
107 B.C. Webb Hall
Greensboro, NC 27411
(202) 281-8214

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Prairie View A&M University
Agriculture and Business Building,
Room 402
P. O. Box 2736
Prairie View, TX 77446
(202) 302-4712

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Tuskegee University
College of Agriculture, Environmental
and Nutritional Sciences
Campbell Hall, Room 103
Tuskegee, AL 36088
(202) 306-9884

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
South Carolina State University
300 College Avenue, N.E.
P.O. Box 7246
Orangeburg, SC 29117
(202) 596-4442

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
1200 North University Drive
Mail Slot: 4806
Pine Bluff, AR 71611-2799
(202) 306-9810

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Southern University and A&M College
Fisher Hall, Room 102
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
(202) 302-7255

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
30665 Student Services Center Lane
Trigg Hall, Room 1137
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(202) 306-7368

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Ag Science Dept., Room 20
P.O. Box 9629
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
(202) 596-0226

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Virginia State University
P.O. Box 9081
1 Hayden Drive
L. Douglas Wilder Building, Room 202C
Petersburg, VA 23806
(202) 596-0301
Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
West Virginia State University
100 Curtis House
P.O. Box 1000
Institute, WV 25112-1000
(202) 596-4605

OMB No.: 0503-0015

For any questions related to this application, please contact:
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
USDA/1890 Programs
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 0601
Washington, DC 20250
Telephone Number: (202) 720-6350
Fax Number: (202) 720-7136
Email: 1890init@usda.gov
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB
control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0503- 0015.
The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 2.6 to 3 hours
per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on
the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and martial or family status (not all prohibited bases apply to all
programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of
program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, contact
the USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 300 7th Street S.W., Suite 521 Washington,
D.C. 20024 or call: (202)401-0005 or 1-(800) 795-3272.

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