College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

National Activities

A group of students and instructors sit around a table with laptops, smiling and celebrating a success. One student gestures excitedly while a woman standing behind them raises her arms in triumph. Harmandeep Sharma, Ph.D., and students react after finding out that they've moved into first place in a practice round for the Cyber & AI Games In Agriculture hackathon, part of the 135th Morrill Act events.

On September 9 and 10, 2025, representatives and members of the nineteen 1890 institutions will gather in the nation’s capital for the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Signed by President Benjamin Harrison, the Act ensured that states receiving land-grant funds either integrated their universities or established separate ones for Black students—giving rise to the 1890 land-grant HBCUs, including North Carolina A&T State University. Founded in 1891, N.C. A&T began with just 37 students and four teachers before moving to Greensboro in 1892, where it laid the foundation for its land-grant legacy ( N.C. A&T History).

The anniversary will feature the launch of the HBCU-led Cyber & AI Games in Agriculture, a reception at the National 4-H Council headquarters, and the 19-Strong Legacy Pathway photo exhibit, celebrating each institution’s impact.

Launching the First HBCU-Led Cyber & AI Games in Agriculture

Innovation meets education on September 9, 2025, with the launch of the Cyber and AI Games for Agriculture. Hosted at the University of the District of Columbia, this groundbreaking event will challenge student teams to solve real-world agricultural cybersecurity scenarios.

N.C. A&T’s team, led by Harmandeep Sharma, Ph.D., will take on 25 food and agriculture-related challenges at the intersection of agriculture, artificial intelligence and cyber defense.

A Reception at the New Home of the National 4-H Council

Plans are underway for a celebratory reception at the new headquarters of the National 4-H Council. Approximately 150 attendees will be invited to connect, reflect, and celebrate the collective impact of 1890 institutions. Final confirmation of the venue is expected soon.

Amplifying the 1890 Story on Capitol Hill

The anniversary presents a timely opportunity to bring the 1890 story directly to members of Congress. University leaders are encouraged to schedule Capitol Hill visits with their delegations while in Washington, D.C.

A diverse group of adults sits around a conference table in a classroom, engaging in a collaborative discussion. Several people are using laptops, one woman holds up a red notebook while speaking, and others listen attentively. The atmosphere appears focused and interactive, suggesting a group learning or training session. Harmandeep Sharma, Ph.D., research assistant professor, Natural Resources and Environmental Design, standing, right, discusses a problem with AgTechAggies team members, seated, left to right, Mohammad Mollah, Chibuzor Ucke, Dorcas Amoh, Edmund Kwekutsu, Ally Bryson and Miles Lee, while volunteer and research associate Harjot Singh Sidhu, standing, left, listens.

19-Strong Legacy Pathway

A large scale photography exhibit will tell the story of the 19-strong campuses’ impact.

The following themes will be featured:

  • Celebrating Legacy
  • Growing Opportunities
  • Inspiring Innovation
  • Uplifting Communities