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The Trump administration has reinstated applications for a federal scholarship supporting students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) pursuing agricultural studies, following sharp criticism from lawmakers over its abrupt suspension last week.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had halted the 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides full tuition, room, and board to students at 19 HBCUs nationwide. The decision to pause the program, made “pending further review,” sparked immediate backlash from legislators and advocates who saw it as part of a broader effort to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under President Donald Trump’s directive.
Following mounting pressure, the USDA updated its website on Tuesday, announcing that applications would once again be accepted until March 15. The agency cited the completion of its internal review as the reason for resuming the program.
“The application process was temporarily suspended pending review to ensure that the program, its mission, and its metrics ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer resources,” a USDA spokesperson said. “This review was completed late afternoon on [Monday].”
The USDA also announced plans for a public webinar next Tuesday to assist prospective applicants and provide further information on the scholarship process.
The 1890 National Scholars Program, established in 1992, aims to support students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food sciences, and natural resource management at HBCUs. Last year, 94 students received the scholarship, which has played a crucial role in diversifying the agricultural workforce.
Lawmakers swiftly condemned the program’s suspension. Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and founding member of the bipartisan HBCU caucus, praised its reinstatement but called for continued vigilance.
“I’m pleased the Secretary has lifted the suspension of and reopened the application for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program,” Adams said. “This program has been in place since 1992, and I hope we can work together to address the real challenges and real opportunities for our 1890s and our HBCUs.”
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) also criticized the initial suspension and vowed to continue monitoring any future changes affecting HBCU funding.
“The Trump administration should never have paused this funding in the first place,” Ossoff said in a statement. “I will continue my oversight to ensure that Georgia HBCU students receive the support Congress directed to them.”
The reinstatement of the 1890 National Scholars Program marks a victory for HBCUs and their students, but it also highlights ongoing tensions between the administration’s DEI rollback and programs designed to promote educational equity. Advocates remain watchful for any further attempts to alter funding for historically Black institutions and their students.
