National Scholars Program Application

USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

USDA 1890 Application - 2008

USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

OMB: 0503-0015

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Section I (Information)

USDA/l890 National Scholars Program in the Agricultural, Food,
and Natural Resource Sciences

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program will provide full tuition,
employment, employee benefits, fees, books, use of a laptop, printer, and
software while on scholarship and room and board each year for 4 years to
students pursuing a bachelor's degree at the following universities:
Alabama A&M University
Alcorn State University, Mississippi
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 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

Purpose

Objective

The purpose of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is:
•

to strengthen the long-term partnership between USDA and the 1890 LandGrant Universities

•

to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource
sciences or other related disciplines

•

to offer career opportunities to USDA/1890 National Scholars at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture

The National Scholars Program offers scholarships to U.S. citizens who are seeking a
bachelor's degree at one of the eighteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant
Institutions in any field of study in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences or other
related disciplines. National Scholars are required to study in the following or related
disciplines:
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Agriculture
Agricultural Business/Management
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics
Agricultural Production and Technology
Agronomy or Crop Science
Animal Sciences
Botany

Section I (Information)

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Farm and Range Management
Fish, Game, or Wildlife Management
Food Sciences/Technology
Forestry and Related Sciences
Home Economics/Nutrition/Human Development
Horticulture
Natural Resources Management
Soil Conservation/Soil Science
Other related disciplines, (e.g., biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine,
computer science)

The award

Each award provides annual tuition, employment, employee benefits, use of a laptop
computer, printer and software while on scholarship, fees, books, room and board for
each of the 4 academic years, plus a requirement to work in the Student Educational
Employment Program. Each annual scholarship renewal is contingent upon
satisfactory performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree, Upon
completion of the scholar's academic degree program, there is an obligation of 1 year
of service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each year of financial support

Who may apply

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
certificate and are starting their first year of college for a bachelor's degree. (Note:
Since this program is intended to increase the number of students studying
agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines at
participating institutions, currently enrolled bachelor’s-level students at these
universities are not eligible to apply.)

Application deadline

All application materials must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2008 and sent
to the university(s) selected by the applicant to attend.

Applicant must:
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General eligibility

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Be a U.S. citizen
Be an entering freshman
Hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate
Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or better
Have a combined verbal/math/written score of 1,500 or more on the SAT
(note: 1000 or more combined for those universities that only accept
verbal/math score) or a composite score of 21 or more on the ACT;
Attend one of the eighteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions
Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related
disciplines
Demonstrate leadership and community service
Apply for admission to the institution(s) of his or her choice
Submit an official transcript with the school seal and an authorized official's
signature
Sign all applications (original signature only)

Section II (Student)

Privacy Act Advisory
Statement
Attention Applicant!
Complete pages 1 through 7 only.
PRINT pages 8-10 and submit to your
counselor.

Supporting Information of the
USDA/1890 National Scholars
Program
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 the Act, please be
advised:

1. The authority for the collection of these data is Executive Order
11155.

2. Furnishing the information requested is voluntary.
3. The data will be used for selection of USDA/1890 National
Scholars, printing of certificates, and related activities.

4. Other routine uses of the data are for preparation of the public
affairs and press releases to news media.

5. Failure to complete the form will mean that you cannot be
included among those candidates being considered for
designation as USDA/1890 National Scholar.

Affirmation of Candidacy
and Authorization for
Release of Information

I, _______________________ , understand that I am a candidate for the honor
of USDA/1890 National Scholar, have read the Privacy Act Advisory
Statement, and affirm my wish to be considered. In the event I am named
a National 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
eighteen1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions as deemed appropriate
for purposes of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. I further
consent to the release of photographs which 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 can be made by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture in connection with the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.
Signature ______________________________________________________

Date

_______________________________________________________
Enter date format as mm-dd-yyyy

Page 1

Section II (Student)

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.

Candidate’s Biographical
Questionnaire

Note: The selection of scholarship recipients will be influenced by
the completeness, neatness, and legibility of replies. Please type or
print, using black ink.

______________________________
A. Biographical Information
Legal name in full (Please print.)_________________________________________________ Sex
Last

First

Middle

Permanent home address __________________________________________________________________
Number and street

City/Town

State

Zip Code

Telephone _________________ Age _______
Are you a U.S. citizen?

Yes

______________________________

B . Education
1. Name of high school now attending ___________________________ Telephone __________________
City _____________________________________ State _________________ Zip Code _______________
GPA(on a 4.0. scale) _________ ACT COMPOSITE SCORE _________ SAT COMBINED SCORE _________
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 first.
Name of school

Location (city and state)

Page 2

Dates of attendance

Section II (Student)

3. List any advanced or special program, courses or summer courses you have taken. List the most recent course
or program first.

Course or program

Name of School

Location (city and state)

Dates of attendance

Hours per Week

4. Name of University _____________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________________ State ___________________________
5. What course of study (major) will you pursue?
1st _______________________________________ 2nd _______________________________________
6. Have you made any career decisions related to agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other
related
disciplines?
Yes

No If yes, explain: ____________________________________________________________

7. Do you plan to go to graduate or professional school? ______ If yes, field of study ________________
______________________________

C . Activities
1. List activities (prioritize) in which you have participated in or outside your school (such as academic,
publications, debating, dramatics, sports, music, art, student government, and clubs).
Activity

Dates of Participation

Offices held

Page 3

Special Awards, honors or recognition

Section II (Student)

2. List volunteer services and jobs you have held in the past 4 years (including summer employment).
Volunteer Services or
jobs

Name of employer or organization

Dates of service or
employment

Hours per week

Special awards

Note: Be concise. Limit your answers to the space provided.

______________________________

D . Leisure Time Activities
1. What is the most stimulating book or article (other than those for school assignments) you have read in the
last 6 months? Why did you find it stimulating?

2. What do you do for relaxation and fun?

3.Describe your leadership role in activities in both your school and community.

Please describe any characteristics of yourself or your family that have been important to your personal
development.

Page 4

Section II (Student)

______________________________

C . Candidate's Self Assessment
1. Describe a recent experience that has given you a sense of satisfaction or pride. Explain why you were
satisfied or proud.

2. Briefly discuss why you want to study agricultural, food, natural resource sciences, or another related discipline
in college.

______________________________
USDA/1890 National Scholars application check list
SECTION I.

I have read this section, especially those elements detailing the eligibility requirements, schools that I must
attend, and the February 1, 2008 deadline in which all application materials must be postmarked.

SECTION II.

I have read and filled out Section II, Student Self-Assessment section. I understand Section II must be
postmarked no later than February 1, 2008 in order to meet the eligibility requirements.

SECTION III.

I have given Section III to my counselor/teacher to fill out. I understand this section must be postmarked
no later than February 1, 2008. Further, I have explained to my counselor/teacher the need to have all
official transcripts enclosed with this response and sent to the institution’s USDA Liaison Officer where I
have selected to attend.

SECTION III. I have applied for admission to each 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institution of interest.

Please review this form to make sure you have answered all questions completely. Proofread your responses.

I certify that I completed this application and that all statements made are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
(A false statement could eliminate me from consideration for this scholarship.)
Signature _______________________________________________

Date ___________________________________

This form must be returned to each 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institution(s) of your choice.
MUST BE POSTMARKED BY February 1, 2008

Page 5

Section II (Student)

USDA/1890 National Scholars application check list
I have read this section, especially those elements
detailing the eligibility requirements, schools that I
SECTION I.
must attend, and the February 1, 2008 deadline in
which all applications materials must be postmarked.

I have read and filled out Section II, Student SelfAssessment section. I understand Section II must be
SECTION II.
postmarked no later than February 1, 2008, in order
to meet the eligibility requirements.

I have given Section III to my counselor/teacher to fill
out. I understand this section must be post marked no
later than February 1, 2008 . Further, I have
SECTION III. explained to my counselor/teacher the need to have
all transcripts enclosed with this response and sent to
the college/university’s USDA Liaison Officer’s office, I
have selected to attend.

Page 6

Section II (Student)

1890 Institutions
USDA Liaison Officer
Alabama A&M University School of Agricultural &
Environmental Sciences
Room 300, Dawson Bldg. or P.O. Box 1477
Normal, AL 35762

USDA Liaison Officer
Prairie View A&M University
P.O. Box 2736,
Prairie View, TX 77446-2736

USDA Liaison Officer
Alcorn State University
1000 ASU Drive, #1139
104 Agriculture Science Bldg.
Lorman, MS 39096

USDA Liaison Officer
South Carolina State University P.O. Box 7246
Orangeburg, SC 29117-0001

USDA Liaison Officer
Delaware State University
Dept. of Agriculture & Natural Resources
1200 N. Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 19901

USDA Liaison Officer
Southern University
P.O. Box 54051
Baton Rouge, LA 70892

USDA Liaison Officer
Florida A&M University
P.O. Box 338
Tallahassee, FL 32307-4100

USDA Liaison Officer
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37209-1561

USDA Liaison Officer
Fort Valley State University
Agricultural Research Station
1005 State College Drive
Fort Valley, GA 31030-3298

USDA Liaison Officer
Tuskegee University
College of Ag., Environ. & Natural Sciences
Campbell Hall, Room 103
Tuskegee, AL 36088

USDA Liaison Officer
Kentucky State University
Cooperative Extn Bldg., Rm 227
400 East Main St
Frankfort, KY 40601

USDA Liaison Officer
University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff
P.O. Box 4806, UAPB
1200 North University
Pine Bluff, AR 71601-2799

USDA Liaison Officer
Langston University
School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Men's Bldg., Rm 101 South
Langston, OK 73050

USDA Liaison Officer
University of Maryland-Eastern Shore
Hazel Hall
Princess Anne, MD 21853

USDA Liaison Officer
Lincoln University
111 Allen Hall
820 Chestnut Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101-0029

USDA Liaison Officer
Virginia State University
Cooperative Bldg, Rm 204
P.O. Box 9081
Petersburg, VA 23806

USDA Liaison Officer
North Carolina A&T State University
107 B.C. Webb Hall
Greensboro, NC 27411

USDA Liaison Officer
West Virginia State University
302 Curtis Complex
P.O. Box 1000
Institute, WV - 25112 -1000

Page 7

Section III (Counselor)

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Secondary School Report
Legal name in full (Please print.)______________________________________________________
Please type or print using Black ink

Last

First

Middle

To comply with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974, a school must obtain signed authorization before it can release student
information for use in this scholarship program.
Permission is hereby given to school officials to release school record and other
requested information for consideration in the scholarship program named above.
Student’s signature ________________________________ Date _______________
Parent’s/Legal guardian’s signature _____________________ Date ______________

If you have attended this school less than 2 years, you may copy this form and ask someone from your former
school to also complete a copy for you.
School
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name

_________________________________________________________________________________________
City

State

Zip code

Telephone Number

Sections III and IV of this report should be completed and signed by the counselor and teacher.
Note for the counselor:
The student named above is a candidate for the honor of United States Department of Agriculture/1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions National Scholars Program.
To process this application, we need the following: a carefully considered character and ability assessment by a teacher who knows the student well, a summary of teachers’
judgements of the student, and an official transcript of the student’s secondary school record. Thorough responses will greatly enhance your student’s candidacy. This
information will be used only in connection with the selection of Scholars and will be seen only by qualified persons involved in the selection process.
This form must be returned POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN February 1, 2008

Page 8

Section III (Counselor)

______________________________

A.
Name of Counselor
____________________________________________________________________________

Please type or print using Black ink

Last

First

Middle

____________________________

B.
Are you confident that the student will receive a high school diploma during the current
academic year?

Yes

If no, please explain.________________________________________________________________________
____________________________

C.
Students Class Rank _______________________ How many students in the class _____________________
____________________________

D.
Student’s cumulative grade point average ______________________________________
____________________________

E.
ACT Composite Score ________________________ SAT Combined Score _________________________
____________________________

F . Secondary School Record
The student’s SAT and/or ACT scores, along with an official secondary school transcript (with seal and
signature), including grades 9 through 12 must be attached. If the official transcript is not provided,
the candidate will not be considered for the scholarship.
Counselor’s signature _________________________________________Date ______________
This form and the candidate’s transcript must be returned to each 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institution of interest.
(See address list.) MUST BE POSTMARKED BY February 1, 2008 .

Page 9

Section I II (Counselor)