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The Trump administration has reopened applications for a federal scholarship aiding HBCU students studying agriculture following pressure from lawmakers and activists.
Donald Trump's U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) froze the HBCU program last week "pending further review" amid federal attacks on DEI.
On Tuesday (February 25), the program's USDA website was updated to reinstate the scholarship application process. Eligible students can now apply through March 15, per The Hill.
A USDA spokesperson said they reopened the applications after the "review" was complete.
“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," the spokesperson said in a statement. “This review was completed late afternoon on [Monday].”
The USDA said it was planning to hold a public webinar next week for students interested in the program.
“OPPE will continue to support applicants and selected scholars as they matriculate through the program,” the spokesperson added.
The HBCU Scholars Program was established in 1992 to provide support, such as tuition and room and board, for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related fields at HBCUs across the country. 94 students were awarded 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,” North Carolina Rep. Alma Adams (D), founding member of Congress' HBCU caucus and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, said in a statement after the freeze was reversed. “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.”
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff (D), another vocal critic of the scholarship suspension, said in a statement: “The Trump Administration should never have paused this funding in the first place. I will continue my oversight to ensure that Georgia HBCU students receive the support Congress directed to them.”
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