N.C. A&T Receives $752,632 Grant for Agriculture Scholarships

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 4, 2020) – Thanks to the U.S. Congress, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University can offer financial support to more than 25 students who attend to study agriculture.

North Carolina A&T has received a $752,632 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for undergraduate food and agricultural sciences scholarships.

At N.C. A&T, the grant will provide scholarships for at least 21 in-state students and five out-of-state students. In addition to financial support, CAES 1890 Agricultural Scholars will receive mentoring and opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.

The award is part of NIFA’s 1890 Scholarships Program, which was authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. This initial round of funding provides more than $14 million for scholarships at 1890 land-grant universities. The 1890 Scholarships Program is designed to promote rural prosperity and economic development by developing a highly skilled workforce.

The award to N.C. A&T, the first installment of a four-year, $2.25 million grant, will support the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) 1890 Agricultural Scholars Program, a highly competitive scholarship program that provides full tuition, books and software, room and board for up to four years.

“Tuition and other expenses are a major obstacle to graduation for many of our students,” said CAES Dean Mohamed Ahmedna, Ph.D. “This grant will support talented and hardworking students so that they’re able to help us meet the challenge of feeding a hungry planet.”

Rep. David Scott and A&T alumna Rep. Alma Adams were co-sponsors and fierce advocates for this legislation. It was also supported by North Carolina's entire Congressional delegation.

High school seniors and currently enrolled or college transfer students who demonstrate exemplary leadership traits and a commitment to community service are invited to apply for the CAES 1890 Agricultural Scholarship. The application deadline is May 29.

“Given the ever increasing cost of higher education, coupled with the critical need to produce future professionals to lead our global food, agricultural, and natural resources enterprise, this scholarship program will provide access and opportunity to highly deserving young scholars,” said Antoine Alston, Ph.D., CAES associate dean for academic studies and principal investigator of the scholarship grant.

With a rich history of innovation, application of cutting-edge technology and delivery of educational programs for students and North Carolina communities, the CAES is the largest college of agriculture among 1890 land-grant institutions.