The Trump Administration has reversed course and reinstated federal scholarships for HBCU students studying agriculture after U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff pressed for immediate action.
The funding, part of the USDA 1890s National Scholars Program, had been paused, sparking concern over its impact on students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities with agricultural programs. After Ossoff called for an urgent reinstatement, the administration reopened the application process.
In a statement following the decision, Sen. Ossoff criticized the initial halt in funding, saying, “The Trump Administration should never have paused this funding in the first place. I will continue my oversight to ensure that Georgia HBCU students receive the support Congress directed to them.”The USDA website now confirms the scholarship’s return, with applications accepted through March 15. Students can find updated information, including upcoming webinars, on the USDA website.
This reinstatement marks a victory for HBCU students pursuing careers in agriculture, ensuring they have access to the financial support originally allocated by Congress.
