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Applications due March 8; Kentucky State students can prepare through Ag College programs that “feed, heal, and sustain.”

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board is rare. One that also includes a paid summer internship and a potential career pathway with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is even rarer. That combination is exactly what the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program offers — and Kentucky State University is encouraging eligible students to apply by the March 8, 2026, deadline.

Since 2018, Kentucky State has had 12 students selected as USDA 1890 National Scholars.

Two Kentucky State seniors said the scholarship represents more than financial support, calling it an investment in both the legacy of 1890 land-grant institutions and their own academic and professional futures.

“As a student at an 1890 land grant university, this scholarship honors our history and invests in my future,” said Jordan Bennett, a senior majoring in agricultural systems. “It lets me study, innovate, and serve without the fear of debt.”

After connecting with BASF Agricultural Solutions at Kentucky State’s annual Ag RoundUp, Bennett completed two internships with the company.

Lillie Ann Hollom, a senior majoring in business administration with a certification in agribusiness and entrepreneurship, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the scholarship’s value across academic disciplines and career pathways.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a competitive scholarship opportunity for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in food, agriculture, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines at one of the nation’s 1890 land-grant universities, including Kentucky State. Selected scholars receive full tuition, fees, books, and room and board, along with paid work experience through a USDA summer internship that may lead to full-time employment with the agency after graduation, subject to program requirements.

Beyond affordability, the program helps prepare students for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and related fields. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible through the official portal listed below.

The opportunity is open to U.S. citizens who are high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, as well as rising college sophomores and juniors. Baseline eligibility includes a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and minimum scores of 21 on the ACT or 1080 on the SAT.

At Kentucky State, students can prepare for USDA-aligned careers through the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and its three complementary schools. The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources focuses on feeding communities by powering the future of food, farming, and the environment. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares graduates for healing through high-demand health care careers. The School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science advances sustaining solutions through specialized programs in clean water technology, aquaponics, and sustainable aquaculture systems.

Kentucky State’s CAHNR undergraduate majors include Agriculture, Food, and Environment (B.S.), with options in agriculture business, agriculture communications, agricultural systems, aquaculture systems, environmental systems, and nutritional science and food systems; Biological and Agricultural Engineering (B.S.), offered in partnership with the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology; Biology (B.S.); Chemistry (B.S.); Nursing (A.A.S. and B.S.N.); and Aquatic Sciences (B.S.), pending final CPE approval. Minors are available in aquaculture, biology, and chemistry.

CAHNR also offers undergraduate certificate programs in agriculture business management, animal agriculture, aquaculture and aquatic science, environmental measurements, fermentation and distillation science, food safety, geospatial technology application, human health and nutrition, and sustainable agriculture systems.

Graduate offerings include Aquaculture and Aquatic Science (M.S.), Environmental Science and Technology (M.S.), and Biological and Agricultural Engineering (M.S.), offered in partnership with the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology, as well as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Students should review full USDA program requirements and apply through the official portal. Current and prospective Kentucky State students seeking guidance may contact Asia Payne Johnson at asia.payne@kysu.edu.

More information and application links:

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