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WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) reintroduced legislation to permanently extend federal scholarship funding for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in food and agriculture fields at 1890s colleges and universities. This bill ensures Congress will continue to support and prioritize the nineteen 1890 Institutions in light of dangerous funding cuts.

“The food and agriculture sector has a significant impact on everyday life for millions of Americans, and maintaining a strong agriculture workforce is critical in protecting our food supply,” said Congressman David Scott. “Unfortunately, for centuries, African Americans have been systematically left out of academic opportunities in the food and agricultural sectors. Bringing a diverse range of talented and creative minds into the industry is vital to a healthy and growing workforce. As a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, one of the nineteen 1890 colleges, I know the value these institutions hold and the importance of funding this great student scholarship program on an ongoing, permanent basis.” 

The 1890 Institutions are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that are partners in the U.S. Land-Grant system and were established to support the education of African American students in agriculture and mechanical arts. Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions support the recruitment, retention, and training of undergraduates—encouraging students to complete degrees in food and agricultural sciences. Congressman Scott was proud to secure $80 million for these scholarships in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that approximately 58,000 high-skilled jobs open each year in the food and agricultural sector, some of which, such as veterinarians, food scientists, and agribusiness managers, require graduate degrees. However, only around 35,000 new graduates in the U.S. with food and agricultural sciences degrees are currently available to take these jobs.

To reduce the food and agriculture workforce deficit and help African American students complete their degrees, the 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities Scholarship Act provides $25 million annually for Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions on a permanent basis and expands funding to be used for graduate degrees in food and agricultural sciences.

The text of the bill can be found HERE.