(NAFB.com) – The USDA is accepting applications for its 1890 National Scholars Program. The program’s goal is to encourage students in 1890 land-grant universities to pursue career paths in food, agriculture, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The application deadline is March 1, 2025. Young people around the country are invited to complete and submit their applications online through an e-application. Administered through USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors. “The program has been an effective tool to help USDA recruit and retain highly qualified students into careers in food, agricultural science, natural resources, and related fields,” says USDA’s Lisa Ramirez. The program awarded 94 scholarships in the 2024 cohort of 18 scholars. For more information, go to the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program.