Mississippi

USDA reinstates 1890 scholarship that helps Mississippi HBCU students study farming, food

Published

9 months ago

March 7, 2025

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USDA reinstates 1890 scholarship that helps Mississippi HBCU students study farming, food

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides scholarships to students attending HBCUs for agriculture-related studies, has reopened its application process.
The program, suspended in February, was reinstated and is accepting applications until March 15.
The scholarships cover full tuition, fees, books, room, and board, with opportunities for work experience at various USDA agencies.
Nineteen HBCUs across the country participate in the program, which aims to increase diversity in agricultural fields.

The USDA has reinstated a scholarship program that gives students from underserved communities money to attend HBCUs for specific training, and the time to apply is now.

The 1890 Scholars Program was suspended in February, “pending further review.” The USDA later released a statement saying current recipients “over 300 — regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department.”

The move was part of a directive by President Donald Trump to freeze, then review federal spending.

Last week, the site for the program was updated to say that the application process is open through March 15.

The program gave $19.2 million to scholarships for 94 students in fiscal year 2024. Per the USDA, it provided “full tuition, fees, books, room and board” to recipients.

Here’s what we know about the 1890 scholarship program.

What does the 1890 National Scholars Program do?

The funds, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), go toward increasing the number of students studying agriculture and related majors, animal science, botany, forestry and more. Nineteen 1890 land grant colleges, all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are part of the program.

“The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. The program is a crucial part of USDA’s Next Generation efforts,” the site for the program reads.

Which Mississippi HBCU is in the scholarship program?

Alcorn State University in Lorman is part of the program. It’s the country’s oldest land-grant HBCU.

According to a December news release from the school, a dozen students were selected to be part of the 1890 Scholars Program.

“As an 1890 Scholar, I’ve had an incredibly enriching experience that has provided me with unique opportunities for academic and personal growth,” Vinterrious Hunt said in the news release. “My most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to network and work with like-minded peers and mentors, as well as obtain a job with USDA Farm Service Agency as a student trainee during school and as a full-time employee after I finish my BS degree. This program has not only enhanced my educational and career experience but also instilled a sense of purpose and confidence in my future endeavors.”

According to the release from Alcorn, students in the program could get the chance to work with several agencies, including:

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Agricultural Research Service.
Farm Service Agency.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Rural Development.
U.S. Forest Service.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Which HBCU schools get 1890 scholarships from the USDA?

According to the USDA, these 19 HBCUs are part of the program:

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 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.

How old is the 1890 scholarship program?

The program was created in 1992.

“As we work to build a future agriculture workforce that represents American society, USDA NIFA’s 1890 Scholarships Program is a critical component for success. Since the program was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, NIFA has invested $92 million to support 3,274 scholarships to help recruit, engage, retain, mentor and train undergraduate students at the 19 1890 Land-grant Universities.”

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Dr. Manjit Misra, in an October 2024 news release

When is the deadline to apply for the scholarship?

According to the site, people must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time Saturday, March 15.

Go to the 1890 National Scholars Program site to apply or get more information.

Who could qualify for the 1890 scholarships?

The program is open to high school seniors and rising sophomores and juniors at the college level. The application process was originally slated to be open through March 1.

The funds could be renewed each year, depending on academic performance.

According to the USDA, applicants had to meet the following criteria:

Be a citizen of the United States.
Have a 3.0 GPA or better (4.0 scale).
Have minimum test scores of 21 on the ACT or 1080 on the SAT.
Be accepted to attend or already be attending an 1890 land-grant university.
Major in one of the required topics.
Have a history of leadership, community service.
Submit an official high school transcript.
Write two essays on specific topics.

What are the essay questions?

Students have to write two 250-500 word essays for both of these questions, according to the USDA site:

“How will the USDA 1890 National Scholarship support your career aspirations? If there is a particular mission area within USDA that also supports your career aspirations, please indicate that mission area.
“What factors have influenced your decision to pursue academic studies in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or a supporting discipline (such as economics, computer science, accounting, etc.)?”

What do you have to study to qualify?

The USDA said scholars must study one of these majors:

Agriculture.
Agricultural Business/Management.
Agricultural Economics.
Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics.
Agricultural Production and Technology.
Agronomy or Crop Science.
Animal Sciences.
Botany.
Food Sciences/Technology.
Forestry and Related Sciences.
Home Economics/Nutrition.
Horticulture.
Natural Resources Management.
Soil Conservation/Soil Science.
Farm and Range Management.
Other related disciplines, (e.g. non-medical biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, computer science).

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi State football flips 4-star Micah Nickerson from Missouri on signing day

Published

12 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Press Room

Mississippi State football flips 4-star Micah Nickerson from Missouri on signing day

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football flipped another prospect the week of the early signing period.

Micah Nickerson, a four-star edge rusher from South Pike, flipped from Missouri and signed with the Bulldogs’ 2026 recruiting class on Dec. 3 on signing day. Nickerson was previously committed to Mississippi State, but flipped to Missouri in September.

The early signing period ends Dec. 5.

He’s the second recruit MSU and coach Jeff Lebby have flipped in the week after Hartfield Academy five-star safety Bralan Womack committed on Dec. 1.

Micah Nickerson 247 ranking

Nickerson is a four-star, according to the 247Sports Composite, He’s ranked No. 286 nationally, No. 13 in Mississippi and as the No. 29 edge rusher.

Nickerson, listed at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, is the third-highest ranked prospect in MSU’s class behind Womack and Grenada four-star tight end Zayion Cotton.

Mississippi State lands DL Tico Crittendon

Shortly after Nickerson signed, Mississippi State also landed defensive lineman Tico Crittendon, according to a report from On3.

Crittendon is a three-star from Lithonia, Georgia, according to the 247Sports Composite. He decommitted from Florida State on Nov. 5.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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Mississippi

High-dollar race caps off Mississippi Senate District 26 runoff. Who won?

Published

24 hours ago

December 2, 2025

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High-dollar race caps off Mississippi Senate District 26 runoff. Who won?

Kamesha Mumford won the Mississippi Senate District 26 runoff election against Letitia Johnson.
Mumford will fill the seat vacated by former Sen. John Horhn, who is now the mayor of Jackson.
The race drew attention for large campaign donations, including a $150,000 contribution to Johnson’s campaign.
Under Mississippi law, large donations from limited liability companies (LLCs) are permitted.

Kamesha Mumford defeated Jackson attorney Letitia Johnson in the Dec. 2 runoff election for Mississippi Senate District 26.

Mumford, a municipal judge from Canton, will serve the remainder of the term through 2028 after voters across parts of northwest Hinds County and Madison County hit the polls.

According to the unofficial results, Kamesha Mumford defeated Letitia Johnson in the Mississippi Senate District 26 runoff with 3,711 votes, or 55.9%, to Johnson’s 2,922 votes, or 44,1%. A total of 22 write-in votes were cast, bringing overall turnout to 6,655 votes across both counties.

In Madison County’s six precincts, Mumford received 814 votes or 69.6% to Johnson’s 356 votes or 30.4%, with five write-in votes. In Hinds County’s 19 precincts, Mumford carried 2,897 votes to Johnson’s 2,566 votes, with 17 write-ins counted.

The District 26 seat has been vacant since former Sen. John Horhn resigned earlier this year to become mayor of Jackson. Horhn represented the district for more than three decades before leaving the Legislature. Gov. Tate Reeves called the special election to fill the remainder of Horhn’s term.

The Nov. 4 special election initially featured seven candidates before narrowing to Tuesday’s runoff, with Mumford winning the race and Johnson finishing in second.

Large donations draw attention in Senate District 26 race

But the runoff didn’t just play out at the ballot box. It also unfolded on campaign finance reports, where six-figure and five-figure donations fueled an expensive legislative race.

On Johnson’s report, her campaign lists a $150,000 contribution from the national law firm Singleton Schreiber, where Johnson serves as a managing partner. The firm is listed as a limited liability company.

Johnson’s fundraising advantage was substantial. Through Nov. 25, her campaign reported $348,674.11 in total contributions, $297,971.39 in total spending and $50,702.72 in cash on hand. Much of that money went toward a full-scale media and turnout blitz, including radio advertising, mass text messaging, direct mail and consulting services. Also included were two $25,000 payments made to political consultant firm Watershed Strategy in the final weeks of the runoff.

By comparison, Mumford ran a far smaller operation, with campaign reports showing significantly lower fundraising totals. Her October campaign finance report showed $152,948.55 in total contributions and $65,499.55 cash on hand at that point in the race. A later November runoff report showed an additional $11,413.26 in new contributions and $53,401.17 in cash on hand, reflecting continued but more modest late-cycle fundraising. Mumford’s campaign spending focused largely on printing, canvassing, limited advertising and small consulting contracts.

Mumford’s report also shows two $50,000 donations on June 1 — one from Mumford and Mumford, the law firm owned and operated by the candidate and her husband, and another from Mumford Title, which the Mississippi Secretary of State lists as a limited liability company.

Mississippi law caps donations from corporations and incorporated entities at $1,000 per year. But the Mississippi Secretary of State’s 2025 Campaign Finance Guide cites state law defining LLCs as unincorporated entities that are not subject to that corporate cap. That means LLCs may legally exceed the $1,000 limit.

As a result of that definition, the six-figure and five-figure donations that initially drew scrutiny — including the $150,000 contribution from Singleton Schreiber to Johnson and the two $50,000 donations tied to Mumford’s campaign — are permitted under current Mississippi law.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office confirmed that interpretation to the Clarion Ledger.

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Mississippi

Governor Reeves Directs the Mississippi Poultry Association’s Charitable Donation to the Mississippi Food Network and the Salvation Army

Published

1 day ago

December 2, 2025

Press Room

Governor Reeves Directs the Mississippi Poultry Association’s Charitable Donation to the Mississippi Food Network and the Salvation Army

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi’s poultry and egg companies this year stepped up their annual donation of chicken meat and eggs for the charities of Governor Reeves’ choosing.

Governor Reeves has directed this generous donation of 478,500 servings of protein to the Mississippi Food Network and Salvation Army. That is 87,229 pounds of meat and 129,600 eggs.

“Thank you to the Mississippi Poultry Association for once again stepping up to serve their fellow Mississippians,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The Mississippi Food Network and the Salvation Army do a tremendous job serving those who need it most, and I appreciate them for accepting this donation to help fight hunger in our state.”

“This year’s deliveries to the Mississippi Food Network and Salvation Army began arriving before Thanksgiving. The companies started earlier because of the extra demand the two charities were reporting. The last trucks will arrive at the MFN warehouse today. We appreciate Governor Reeves coordinating this effort,” said MPA Chairman of the Board Ed Fletcher of Koch Foods.

“We are deeply grateful to the governor and the Mississippi Poultry Association for this generous donation. At Mississippi Food Network, partnerships like this make it possible for us to provide nutritious meals to families across our state. This contribution will help us meet the growing need and ensure that no Mississippian goes hungry,” said Mississippi Food Network CEO & COO Cassandra Mobley.

“The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to Governor Reeves and the Mississippi Poultry Association for this generous donation. These chickens and eggs will help us feed hundreds of families across our community. At a time when many are struggling, this gift is more than food—it is hope placed on the table. We are honored to partner together in serving our Mississippi neighbors,” said Major Timothy Delaney of The Salvation Army.

Since the program began, MPA members have donated 977,00 pounds of chicken and 2,012,200 eggs, which totals almost six million servings of protein.

In addition to the 32,000 people that work in the industry and the 1,700 farm families that raise these chickens and eggs, another 66,400 jobs are generated because of the poultry industry. Mississippi’s largest agricultural industry, poultry’s total economic impact is $27.8 billion.

These products raised on Mississippi farms come from Amick Farms, Cal Maine Foods, Koch Foods, Mar-Jac Poultry MS, Peco Foods, Tyson Foods and Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Each company individually donates products throughout the year to various charities, but they come together through the Mississippi Poultry Association once a year to make this donation.

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