USDA has suspended the 1890 National Scholars Program, a key scholarship for students at historically Black land-grant universities (HBCUs). (Reuters Photo)

A federal scholarship program aimed at assisting students from underserved and rural communities attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) has been suspended due to a Trump-era funding freeze. The 1890 Scholars Program, which provided full tuition and fees for students pursuing agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences, is on hold after a review was initiated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This decision affects students at 19 HBCUs, leaving many uncertain about their future funding.
The USDA announced that the program, which dates back to 1992, would be temporarily suspended while undergoing a review. The decision follows a broader funding freeze implemented during the Trump administration to ensure that government spending aligns with executive orders on issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. According to the department, “the 1890 Scholars Program has been suspended pending further review,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Impact on over 300 students
Over 300 students are currently enrolled in the program, which was designed to help students who meet the criteria of studying agriculture or related fields and demonstrate leadership and community service. Despite the suspension, USDA officials assured that “every scholar—over 300—regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department,” as stated in an email to the Associated Press.
The suspension impacts prestigious institutions like Alabama A&M, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, and Tuskegee University. The program had been set to allocate $19.2 million in funding for fiscal year 2024. In the previous year, 94 students had been awarded scholarships through the initiative.
Ongoing legal challenges
The freeze has already drawn significant attention from lawmakers and has been met with legal challenges. A temporary hold was placed on the executive action, with discussions about its impact still ongoing. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is slated to review the program’s structure, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively, according to department officials.
As this suspension continues to unfold, the future of the 1890 Scholars Program remains uncertain, with many hoping that the review will ultimately benefit the students it was designed to support.