USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

United States Department of Agriculture
USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
2015 COLLEGE APPLICATION

National Scholars Program

October 2014

OMB No.: 0503-0015

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The
USDA/1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as part of the partnership
between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant
Universities.
The goal of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is to increase the number of
minorities studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences and other related
disciplines. The program is available to high school students and rising college
sophomores and juniors, who exhibit leadership and community service, and desire to
attend an 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant University. Each year, hundreds of
students apply for the program, which provides full tuition, employment, employee
benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students
pursuing a bachelor's degree at an 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant University.
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is implemented under the USDA Fellows
Experience Program (FEP). Scholars accepted into the program will be appointed using the
Schedule A(r) authority (5 CFR 213.3202) and are not eligible for noncompetitive
conversion to full time employment upon graduation. However, all USDA/1890 National
Scholars are required to compete for appropriate employment immediately after
graduation and, if selected, commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of
financial assistance provided.1
The USDA/1890 National Scholar is required to:
 Compete for appropriate employment immediately after graduation and, if selected,
commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance
provided.2
 Reimburse the USDA Sponsoring Agency for costs of education (excluding the
employee’s pay and allowances) incurred by the USDA Sponsoring Agency if the
Scholar is voluntarily separated from the service of the USDA Sponsoring Agency
before the end of the period for which the Scholar has agreed to continue in the
service of USDA.
 Consult with and obtain the approval of the Sponsoring Agency prior to
making any changes to h i s o r h e r academic program. Unapproved changes will
affect the Scholar’s continued participation in the program.
Again, thank you for your interest in the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program and
best wishes in your pursuit of academic excellence!
Specific details of this "service requirement" will be outlined in the agreement entered into by the selected
Scholar, the University at which Scholar is matriculated, and USDA. Also, the "service requirement" is
subject to change.
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USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Overview
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities.
The program awards scholarships to students attending one of the 1890 Historically
Black Land-Grant Universities, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food, natural
resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The 1890 Historically Black LandGrant Universities are as follows:
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 (Missouri)

North Carolina A&T State University
Prairie View A&M University
South Carolina State University
Southern University
Tennessee State University
Tuskegee University
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Virginia State University
West Virginia State University

AUTHORITIES
• Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known as the ‘‘Second Morrill Act’’), 7 U.S.C. §§ 321 et
seq.);
• National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, Pub. L .95113, §§ 1402-1404, 7 U.S.C. §§ 3101-3103;
• Executive Order 13256, President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, dated February 12, 2002;
• 5 CFR Part 410 - Training;
• OPM Excepted Schedule A, authority (r), 5 CFR 213.3102(r); and/or
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Student Internship Programs, Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform of 1996 (FAIR Act), Title IX, Section 922 (7U.S.C § 2279c).

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PURPOSE
The purposes of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program are:
 To strengthen the long-term partnership between USDA and the 1890 Historically Black
Land-Grant Universities
 To increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, and natural
resources science or other related disciplines.
OBJECTIVE
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program offers scholarships to U.S. citizens who are
seeking a bachelor’s degree at one of the eligible 1890 Historically Black Land- Grant
Universities in any field of study in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences or other
related disciplines. Scholars are required to study in the following or related disciplines:
Agriculture
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics
Agricultural Production and
Technology
Agronomy or Crop Science
Animal Sciences
Botany
Business/Management
Farm and Range Management

Forestry and Related Sciences
Food Sciences/Technology
Home Economics/Nutrition
Horticulture
Natural Resources Management
Soil Conservation/Soil Science
Other related disciplines, (e.g., nonmedical biological, sciences, preveterinary medicine, computer
science)

AWARD
Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890
Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as
room and board for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each
year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward
the bachelor's degree.

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GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
Applicant must:
 Be a U.S. citizen.
 Have been admitted to or currently attending one of the 1890 Historically
Black Land-Grant Universities.
 Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
 Intend to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other
related disciplines.
 Demonstrate leadership and community service.
 Submit a current official transcript with the school seal and an authorized
official's signature (preferably through the most recent semester).
 Submit a current resume.
 Submit two letters of recommendation from the following: Department Head,
Dean or Vice President of College or a University or College Professor who has
instructed the applicant.
 Submit a 500-800 word essay describing 1) your interest in USDA, 2) how you
envision the scholarship will impact you and your future as a public servant, and
3) your experience and perceptions about agriculture, food, and natural resource
sciences.
 Submit a signed and dated application (original signature only).
APPLICATION DEADLINE
All application materials must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2015 and sent to the
USDA/1890 Program Liaison at the university or universities selected by the applicant.

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INSTRUCTIONS
Only complete application packages submitted by February 1, 2015, the application
deadline, will be considered. Complete application packages must include the
following:
Completed the Privacy Act Advisory Statement and Release Form
Completed Biographical Questionnaire
Current resume
Two letters of recommendation from Department Head, Dean or Vice President of
College or University, or College or University Professor who has instructed the
applicant.
 500 - 800 word essay on the designated topics
 Official transcript with seal and signature of authorized college/university
official
 Signed and dated application

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All documents must be submitted in one application package.
The application package must be postmarked by the application deadline, February 1, 2015
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the college/university prepares a current
official transcript and that the transcript is submitted by the application deadline.
All application materials must be originals, with original signatures and seals/stamps.
Application materials containing photocopied signatures and transcripts will not be
considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship.
Please note: The selection of scholarship recipients will be influenced by the
submission of complete, neat, and legible application packages. The application is a fillable adobe acrobat file. The application may also be printed and filled in by hand in black
or blue ink only.

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PRIVACY ACT ADVISORY STATEMENT
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 this Act, please be advised:
1. Furnishing the information requested is voluntary.
2. The data will be used for selection of USDA/1890 National Scholars,
printing of certificates, and related activities.
3. The data is maintained in a privacy act system as defined by NARA under
OMB.
4. 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 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 1890
Historically Black Land-Grant Universities as deemed appropriate for purposes of the
USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.
I further consent to the release of photographs that 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 are
made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in connection with the USDA/1890
National Scholars Program.
Signature:
Date:

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Candidate’s Biographical Questionnaire
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.
A. Biographical Information

(Please Print)
Legal Name in Full:
Last
Sex: F

First

Middle

M

Permanent Home Address:
Street

City/Town

State

Zip Code

Telephone:
(Home)
(Cell)
Age:
Are you a U.S. Citizen?

Yes

No

Email Address:
B. Education

1. Name of College / University currently attending:
Address:
Street

City/Town

State

Telephone:

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Zip Code

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GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale)
Note: Grade point average should match supporting documentation submitted
with the application. Only applicants meeting minimum GPA criteria will be
considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship. Please do not
submit an application if you do not meet the criteria.
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 listed first.
Name of School

Address

Dates of Attendance

3. Name(s) of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant University (or Universities) you are
attending or to which you are applying:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. If accepted at multiple 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities, please list in
order of preference (i.e. 1- Most Preferred, 3-Least Preferred)
1.
2.
3.
Note: Applicants applying to more than one 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant
University must submit separate USDA/1890 National Scholars applications for each
university.
5. What course of study (major) will you pursue?
1st Choice:
2nd Choice:
Other Related Discipline/Unlisted Major (Please Identify):
Note: All academic disciplines may not be available at every 1890 Historically Black LandGrant University. Check the University’s academic offerings before applying.
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6. Have you made career decisions related to agriculture, food, natural resource
sciences, or related disciplines?
Yes

No

If Yes, please explain:

Activities

C.
1.

List volunteer services and jobs you have held in the past 4 years (including
summer employment).
Activity

Participation Dates

Offices Held

Note: Be concise and limit your responses to the space provided.

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Special Awards

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D. Essay

(You may provide your essay below or you may attach a type-written copy of your essay to
the application)

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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 are true and accurate to
the best of my knowledge. I understand that a false statement could eliminate me from
consideration for this scholarship.

Applicant’s Signature
Date
This form must be returned to each 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant University of your choice and
postmarked by February1, 2015.

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How did you hear about the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Scholarship?
(select all that apply)
College fair(s)
Name of event(s)
Informational Session
Location
Public Service Announcement
Stations
Direct Mail/e-mail
Source of communication
USDA Employee
Name of employee(s)
Church or place of worship
Name of Facility
Website(s)
Name of website(s)
Other

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USDA/1890 National Scholars Application Checklist
1.

I have read the eligibility requirements and meet all eligibility criteria.

2.

I am submitting an original application and transcript to each 1890 University of
interest (see addresses on page 15 of this application).

3.

I have applied for admission or am currently enrolled at each 1890 Historically
Black Land-Grant University of interest.

4.

I have read and completed the Candidate’s Biographical Information section.

5.

I have enclosed two letters of recommendation from the following:
1. Department Head, Dean of College, or one of the University Vice Presidents
2. College Professor who has served as an instructor in one of my courses

6.

I have enclosed a 500-800 word essay describing 1) my interest in USDA, 2) how
I envision the scholarship will impact me and my future as a public servant, and 3)
my experiences and perceptions about agriculture, food, and natural resource
sciences.
I have signed and dated the application (original signature only).

7.

8.

I understand that the application package must be postmarked no later than
February1, 2015 for consideration for the USDA/1890 Scholars Programs
Scholarship.

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1890 Land-Grant Universities
Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Alabama A&M University
Dawson Extension Bldg., Room 300 or
Post Office Box 1087
Normal, AL 35762
(334) 724-4493

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Fort Valley State University
1005 State University Drive
Pettigrew Center, Room 244
Fort Valley, GA 31030
(478) 825-6298
Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Kentucky State University
Cooperative Extension Building, Room 221
400 East Main Street Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 597-6955

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Alcorn State University
1000 ASU Drive, Room 1139
Agriculture Science Building Rm. 104
Lorman, MS 39096
(601) 877-3849

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Langston University
School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
100 Success Drive, Room V115
P.O. Box 846
Langston, OK 73050
(405) 466-6154

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Central State University
1400 Brush Row Rd,
Wilberforce, OH 45384
(937) 376-6625
Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Delaware State University
College of Agriculture & Related Sciences
1200 North Dupont Highway
Baker Building Annex, Room 102
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 857-7131

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Lincoln University
108 Bennett Hall
818 Lee Drive.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 681-5108

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Florida A&M University
1740 South Martin L. King Jr., Boulevard
Room 217, S. Perry-Paige Building.
Tallahassee, FL 32307-4100
(805) 561-2644

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
North Carolina A&T University
1601 East Market Street
107 B.C. Webb Hall
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 285-4783

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Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Prairie View A&M University
E. E. O'Banion CARC Building, Room 119
P. O. Box 2736
Prairie View, TX 77446
(936) 261-2521

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Tuskegee University
College of Agricultural, Environmental and
Natural Sciences
Campbell Hall, Room 103
Tuskegee, AL 36088
(334) 724-4493

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
South Carolina State University
300 College Avenue, N.E.
P.O. Box 7246
Orangeburg, SC 29117
(803) 536-8463

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
1200 North University
Mail Slot: 4806
Pine Bluff, AR 71611-2799
(870) 575-7241

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Southern University and A&M College
College of Agriculture, Family & Consumer
Sciences
Fisher Hall, Room 102
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
(225) 774-3870

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Trigg Hall, Room 1137
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 651-6313
Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Virginia State University
P.O. Box 9416, Carter G. Woodson Avenue
L. Douglas Wilder Building, Room 107
Petersburg, VA 23806
(804) 524-5252

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard.
Ag Science Dept., Room 112
P.O. Box 9629
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
(615) 963-5442

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison
West Virginia State University
302 Curtis R&E Complex
P.O. Box 1000
Institute, WV 25112-1000
(336) 334-7709

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Applications Must Be Postmarked by
February 1, 2015
For questions, please contact:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
Office of Advocacy and Outreach
USDA/1890 Programs
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 9821
Washington, DC 20250
Telephone Number: (202) 205-4307
Fax Number: (202) 720-7136
Email: [email protected]
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 0503-0015. The time required to complete this information
collection is estimated to average 2.6 to 3 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs
and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, and martial or family status (not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should
contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint
of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 300 7th Street S.W., suite
521, Washington, DC 20024 or call (202) 401-0005 or (800) 795-3272.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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