ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a $19.2 million investment in 1890 Land-grant Universities to provide undergraduate scholarships for students to stimulate interest in food and agricultural careers.
“The 1890 Land-grant Universities have been critical partners in building the next generation of agricultural leaders, including here at USDA,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a USDA news release. “This scholarship investment is an important resource for students as they pursue their dreams and set out to make their mark on the world.”
South Carolina State University’s share of the award is more than $505,000 for its 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholars program.
“The USDA continues to be one of South Carolina State University’s essential partners,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “As we continue to grow our College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, these scholarships will enable the university to attract more top scholars for our agriculture and food science degree programs.
“Producing excellent graduates in these areas is vital to South Carolina’s agricultural industries and the wellbeing of the state’s resident,” Conyers said. “SC State is committed to meeting those demands with education, research and public service.”
Vilsack was spoke about the announcement during a meeting Friday with the 1890 Land Grant University Council of Presidents.
Administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the scholarships will enable outstanding 1890 Land-grant University (LGU) students to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in food and agricultural sciences and related fields.
“The investments and partnerships USDA science has with the 1890 community, including the 1890 Scholarships Program, build capacity that brings excellence and diversity into the agriculture sector,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA chief scientist and under secretary for research, education and economics. “We all must contribute to the critical work of educating and developing the next generation of food and ag professionals.”
Dr. Louis Whitesides, vice president of SC State Public Service & Agriculture, said the USDA’s support will empower the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
“USDA’s investment in 1890 student scholarships is a crucial initiative that aligns perfectly with our land grant mission of creating valuable opportunities for students who may not have the means to pursue higher education,” Whitesides said. “By enabling our students to graduate college debt-free and paving the way for a future career in agriculture, food and fiber sectors, we’re transforming our students’ futures and elevating their families and communities.”
This program complements USDA’s 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides competitively selected students with full tuition, fees, books, room and board. These programs are part of a suite of opportunities USDA administers to develop a highly skilled food and agricultural systems workforce.
Aug. 30, 2024, marked the 134th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which gave Land-grant status to state-designated historically Black colleges and universities, expanding the reach and impact of the U.S. Land-grant University System. USDA has a long history of investing in and supporting historically Black colleges and universities.
“As we work to build a future agriculture workforce that represents American society, USDA NIFA’s 1890 Scholarships Program is a critical component for success,” said Dr. Manjit Misra, NIFA director “Since the program was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, NIFA has invested $92 million to support 3,274 scholarships to help recruit, engage, retain, mentor and train undergraduate students at the 19 1890 Land-grant Universities.
Along with SC State, institutions receiving funds included Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.
USDA continues to invest in the workforce of the future and provides opportunities to students by providing scientific and agricultural learning experiences.
About NIFA and the USDA
NIFA is building a better future by nurturing innovation in the food and agricultural sciences and cultivating equitable change in communities across the nation. Through investments in science as a solution to our greatest challenges, USDA NIFA collaborates with partners to drive research, education and Extension — improving lives, supporting livelihoods and sustaining the planet. In FY 2023, NIFA’s total investment was $2.5 billion.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
About South Carolina State University
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
