The Trump administration has reopened applications for a federal scholarship that supports agriculture students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) after facing backlash from lawmakers over its abrupt suspension last week, The Hill reported.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reinstated the 1890 National Scholars Program, a federal scholarship initiative that benefits students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who study agriculture and related fields.
According to an update on its website, the program, which unexpectedly was put on hold last week for further review, resumed accepting applications on Tuesday.
Eligible students can apply until March 15.
The USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), which administers the scholarship, has not provided a statement explaining the reversal. However, a spokesperson previously assured The Hill that students already receiving the award would not lose their funding.
“Like other programs within the Department, Secretary Rollins will continue to review the 1890 National Scholars Program, its mission, and its metrics to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer resources,” the spokesperson said last week.