Under pressure, White House reinstates HBCU scholars program

The Trump administration has reopened applications for a federal scholarship that aids studying agriculture at historically Black universities after outcry from lawmakers over its abrupt suspension last week.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the federal 1890 National Scholars Program through its Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), put the program on hold last week “pending further review," but the program's USDA website was updated Tuesday to note that the application process has resumed. Eligible students can apply through March 15.

USDA's OPPE said its review had been completed so applications were reopened.

“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 told The Hill. “This review was completed late afternoon on [Monday].”

The spokesperson added that the USDA has planned a public webinar next Tuesday for those who are interested in the program and other efforts to assist students with the application process.

“OPPE will continue to support applicants and selected scholars as they matriculate through the program,” the spokesperson said.

The new administration, under President Trump's direct order, has sought to shutter many federal programs that are geared toward diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

The HBCU scholars program, which was created in 1992, provides tuition and room and board for selected students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences or related fields at 19 historically Black schools across the country. Ninety-four students received the scholarship last year.

"I'm pleased the Secretary has lifted the suspension of and reopened the application for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program,” Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) said in a statement on the reversal. “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."

Adams is a founding member of the bipartisan HBCU caucus in Congress and a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, and she had been a vocal opponent of the proposed change.

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) also had blasted the pause before its reversal. In a statement to The Hill after the program was reopened, Ossoff said he would continue to watch for other attempts at program changes that would affect HBCU funding.

“The Trump Administration should never have paused this funding in the first place," he said. "I will continue my oversight to ensure that Georgia HBCU students receive the support Congress directed to them.”

Updated at 5:33 pm EST.

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