The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended a long-standing scholarship program that supports students at historically Black land-grant universities, including Florida A&M University (FAMU). The decision comes as part of a broader federal review to ensure programs align with President Donald Trump’s executive orders, which include eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The 1890 National Scholars Program, established in 1992, provides scholarships for students from underserved communities pursuing degrees in agriculture and related fields. The program is a vital pipeline for increasing Black representation in agricultural sciences, an industry where diversity remains a challenge.
With the program now suspended, FAMU and 18 other historically Black land-grant universities could lose an entire class of incoming USDA scholars in 2025.
The USDA quietly announced the decision on its website last week, stating that the scholarships are “suspended pending further review.” This uncertainty has left students, faculty, and university leaders scrambling for answers.
“As a result, Florida A&M University may not have an incoming class of USDA 1890 Scholars for the 2025 academic year,” said Garlen Dale Wesson, dean of FAMU’s College of Agriculture & Food Sciences, in a statement.
The 1890 National Scholars Program has been instrumental in providing financial assistance, mentorship, and career opportunities for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) focused on agriculture. Its suspension raises concerns about the future of Black representation in agricultural sciences, an industry where HBCUs have historically played a crucial role.
This move also follows a broader national trend of scaling back DEI-focused programs in both corporate and government sectors. While the USDA has not provided a timeline for when the review will be completed or if the program will be reinstated, advocates are urging the agency to reconsider.
For now, the fate of the program remains uncertain, and students who hoped to benefit from these scholarships in 2025 are left without answers. University officials, alumni, and lawmakers are expected to push for reinstatement, arguing that cutting this program directly impacts opportunities for Black students in agriculture.
