USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

OMB No.: 0503-0015

United States Department of Agriculture

USDA/1890 National Scholars

Program

2019 COLLEGE APPLICATION

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (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 Land-Grant Universities.

The goal of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, and other related disciplines. The program is open to high school seniors, rising college sophomores, and juniors who exhibit exemplary leadership traits and demonstrated community service. The Scholarship is highly competitive and provides for full tuition payment, among other benefits, for up to 4-years to selected students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an 1890 Land-Grant University. The 1890 National Scholars Program partners with USDA agencies and staff offices to provide scholars with professional and educational opportunities. A sponsoring Agency Coordinator will be assigned to the scholar. The program Agency Coordinator will be the primary point of contact of scholar. The Sponsoring Agency will work closely with scholars to provide ongoing support and ensure the Scholar is on track with degree requirements.

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 (5CFR 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_{. I}f 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 . If selected, commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided .

• 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 voluntarily separates 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 their academic program. Unapproved changes may affect the Scholar's continued participation in the program, such as scholar's participation in study abroad programs, third party internships and leave of absence. The Scholar is expected to meet with Agency Coordinator to go over degree classes and ongoing academic status.

• The Scholar must coordinate summer work experience through the their summer work site manager. The Scholar must report to work site and have a record of their individual development plan.

Again, thank you for your interest in the USDA/1890 National Program and best wishes in your pursuit of academic excellence!

¹Specific details of this "service requirement" will be outlined in the agreement entered into by the selected Scholar, the University at which

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the scholar is matriculated, and the USDA sponsoring agency. The "service requirement" is subject to change.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

The USDA/1890 National Program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA) and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. The program awards scholarships to students accepted and attending one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science_s, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline(s).The 1890 Land-Grant Universities are:

Alabama A&M University Alcorn State University (Mississippi) Central State University (Ohio) 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 A&M 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

AUTHORITIES

• Legislative authority of the Second Morrill Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321-326 and 328);

• National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-113,

1402, et seq 7 U.S.C. § 3101);

• Office of Personnel Management, Training (5 C.F.R part 410);

• Schedule A (r) federal Experience Authority (5 C.F.R. 213.312 ((r));

• Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR ACT), Title IX, Section 922 (7 U.S.C § 2279c);

• Executive Order 13779, White House Initiative on historically Black Colleges and Universities, signed February 18, 2017 continued by Executive Order 13811, signed September 29 September 2017.

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PURPOSE

The purposes of the USDA/1890 National Program are:

• To strengthen the long-term partnership between USDA and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

• To promote increase cooperation among the parties in all areas of mutual interest.

• To improve USDA’s outreach efforts within the communities served by 1890 LandGrant Universities and USDA.

• To increase the number of students studying and pursuing careers in agriculture, food sciences, and natural resources sciences or other related disciplines.

OBJECTIVE

The USDA/1890 National Program offers scholarships to U.S. citizens who are seeking a bachelor’s degree at one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities pursuing a bachelor's degree in any of the fields of study within agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines. Examples of required fields of study or related disciplines are:

Water Resource Management Agricultural Economics Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics Agricultural Production and Technology Agronomy or Crop Science Animal Sciences/Botany Business Management Farm and Range Management Financial Management

Forestry and Related Sciences Food Sciences/Technology Home Economics/Nutrition Horticulture Natural Resources Management Soil Conservation/Soil Science Other related disciplines, (e.g., non-medical biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, computer sciences)

AWARD

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 LandGrant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as fees, books, and room and board, renewable each year for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance, summer work performance and progress towards the bachelor's degree.

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GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

Applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Have been admitted and enrolled as a full-time student in one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).

• Intend to study and work in the field of agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines.

• Demonstrate leadership and community service.

• Submit a current official transcript with the school seal and/or the signature of an authorized school official (preferably through the most recent semester).

• Submit a 500-800 word essay describing: 1) your interest in working for 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 sciences, and natural resource sciences.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

All application materials must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, January 31 2019 and delivered to the USDA/1890 Program Liaison at the University or Universities selected by the applicant.

SELECTION PROCESS

If selected, the student will be contact by the sponsoring Agency Coordinator coordinator. The applicant will be given an opportunity to ask questions related to the agency, the job and Program expectations. Selected applicants should contact their Agency Coordinator with any unanswered questions or concerns related to agency, summer experience or academic requirements.

Applications Must Be Postmarked by Tuesday, January 31 2019.

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INSTRUCTIONS

Only complete application packages submitted by the deadline of Tuesday, January 31, 2019 will be considered. Complete application packages must include the following:

• Signed Privacy Act Advisory Statement and Release Form

• Completed Biographical Questionnaire

• Current Resume

• Two letters of recommendation (one from either the Department Head, Dean, or

Vice President of your College or University, and one from a College or University Professor who has instructed the applicant)

• 500-800 word essay on the designated topics

• Official transcript with raised seal and/or the signature of an authorized college/ university official

• Original signed and dated application

All documents must be submitted in one application package.

The application package must be postmarked by the application deadline Tuesday, January 31, 2019. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the current official transcript is submitted by the application deadline.

All application materials must be originals, with original signatures, seals and/or stamps. Application materials containing photocopied signatures and transcripts will not be considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholarship Program.

SELECTION PROCESS

If selected, the student will be contact by the sponsoring Agency Coordinator. The applicant will be given an opportunity to ask questions related to the agency, the job and the expectations. Selected applicants should contact their Agency Coordinator with any unanswered questions or concerns related to agency, summer experience or academic requirements.

Applications Must Be Postmarked by Tuesday, January 31, 2019.

Note: The application may be printed and filled in by hand using 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 this 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 of records as defined by National

Archives and Records Administration under Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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

Affirmation of Candidacy and Authorization for Release of Information and/or Photographs

I, , understand that I am a candidate for the honor of

USDA/1890 National Scholar, and 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 m_e for the use of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities as deemed appropriate for purposes of the USDA/1890 National 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 Program.

Printed name: Signature:

Date signed:

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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

Legal Name (Please print in full):

Last First Middle

Sex: F M

Permanent Address:

Street city/town State Zip

Telephone Numbers:

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 Zip

Telephone:

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 Program scholarship. Please do not submit an application if you do not meet the criteria.

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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	Attendance Dates

3. Name(s) of the 1890 Land-Grant University (or Universities) you are attending or to which you are applying_. If accepted at multiple 1890 Land-Grant Universities, please list in order of preference (i.e. 1=Most Preferred, 3=Least

Preferred) Note: applicants applying to more than one 1890 Land-Grant University must submit separate USDA/1890 national Scholars applications for each University.

1.

2.

3.

4. What course of study (declared major) will you pursue?

1^st choice:

2^nd choice:

Other Related Discipline/Unlisted Major (please identify):

Note: All academic disciplines may not be available at every 1890 Land-Grant University. Check the University’s academic offerings before applying for the scholarship.

5. Have you made career decisions related to agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences or related disciplines? Yes No (if yes, please explain below)

3. Extracurricular Activities

List volunteer services and jobs you have held in the past 4 years (be concise and limit your responses to the space provided) including summer employment

Activity	Participation Dates	Title/Position held	Awards (include monetary, plaques, or letters of commendation or appreciation)

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3. Essay: Submit a 500-800 word essay describing: 1) your interest in working for USDA, 2) how you envision the scholarship will impact you and your future as a public servant, and your experience and perceptions about agriculture, food sciences, and natural resource sciences.

Note: You may provide your essay below or you may attach a type-written copy of your essay to the application.

Signatory Page

Final Note: Review this form to make sure you have answered all questions completely.

Proofread, spell-check and edit your responses for completeness.

Certification

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.

Print Your Legal Name

Signature

Date Signed

Note: This form must be postmarked for return to each 1890 Land-Grant University of your choice no later than Tuesday, January 31, 2019.

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APPLICATION CHECKLIST

1.	I have read and understand the eligibility requirements, and meet all eligibility criteria.
2.	I am submitting an original application and transcript to each 1890 University of interest (see mailing 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: Department Head, Dean of College, or one of the University Vice Presidents College Professor who has served as an instructor in one of my courses
6.	I have enclosed a 500-800 word essay describing: . My interest in working for USDA, How I envision the scholarship will impact me and my future as a public servant, My experiences and perceptions about agriculture, food sciences, and natural resource sciences.
7.	I have signed and dated the application (original signature only).
8.	I understand that the application package must be postmarked no later than midnight Tuesday, January 31, 2019 for consideration for the USDA/1890 National Program.

Voluntary Marketing Survey

How did you hear about the USDA/1890 National Program?)

Check (all that apply)	Event	Location
	College Fair(s)
	Academic/Financial Advisor
	Professor
	Direct Mail/ Email
	USDA Employee
	Place of worship
	Other(please specifiy)

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OMB No.: 0503-0015

1890 Land-Grant Universities

Liaison Directory

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Alabama A&M University

Post Office Box 1087

Normal, AL 35762 (202) 570-3926

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Alcorn State University

P.O. Box 314

Lorman, MS 39096

(202) 596-0478

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Central State University

1400 Brush Row Road

McLin Building, Room 210

Wilberforce, OH 45384

(202) 596-0140

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Delaware State University

CARS Ag Annex, Room 108F

1200 North Dupont Highway

Dover, DE 1991

(202) 308-7687

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

(202) 510-6301

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Fort Valley State University

1005 State University Drive

Pettigrew Center, Room 244

Fort Valley, GA 31030 (202) 253-4218

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Kentucky State University

Cooperative Extension Facility,

400 East Main Street, Room 221

Frankfort, KY 40601

(202) 570-5202

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Langston University

School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

100 Success Drive, Room V115

Langston, OK 73050 (202) 263-9209

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Lincoln University

818 Lee Drive

108 Bennett Hall

Jefferson City, MO 65101

(202) 264-0736

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

North Carolina A&T University

1601 East Market Street

107 B.C. Webb Hall

Greensboro, NC 27411

(202) 281-8214

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Prairie View A&M University

Agriculture and Business Building,

Room 402

P. O. Box 2736

Prairie View, TX 77446

(202) 302-4712

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison South Carolina State University 300 College Avenue, N.E. P.O. Box 7246

Orangeburg, SC 29117 (202) 596-4442

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Southern University and A&M College

Fisher Hall, Room 102

Baton Rouge, LA 70813

(202) 302-7255

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Tennessee State University

3500 John Merritt Boulevard Ag Science Dept., Room 20 P.O. Box 9629

Nashville, TN 37209-1561

(202) 596-0226

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences Campbell Hall, Room 103

Tuskegee, AL 36088

(202) 306-9884

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

1200 North University Drive

Mail Slot: 4806

Pine Bluff, AR 71611-2799

(202) 306-9810

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

30665 Student Services Center Lane

Trigg Hall, Room 1137

Princess Anne, MD 21853

(202) 306-7368

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

Virginia State University

P.O. Box 9081

1 Hayden Drive

L. Douglas Wilder Building, Room 202C Petersburg, VA 23806 (202) 596-0301

Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison

West Virginia State University

100 Curtis House

P.O. Box 1000

Institute, WV 25112-1000

(202) 596-4605

OMB No.: 0503-0015

For any questions related to this application, please contact:

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement USDA/1890 Programs

1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 0601

Washington, DC 20250

Telephone Number: (202) 720-6350 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 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, contact

the USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 300 7th Street S.W., Suite 521 Washington, D.C. 20024 or call: (202)401-0005 or 1-(800) 795-3272.

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