USDA Invests $1 Million in Centers of Excellence with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1 million initial investment to support three Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges. This move aims to build on the historic partnership between USDA and 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, strengthening access to economic mobility through educational opportunity. The three new centers will focus on specific needs, including support for small farms and ranches, the STEAM pipeline, and international engagement and global food security. This investment is part of USDA's ongoing efforts to positively impact underserved farmers, youth, and communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The USDA is investing $1 million initially in three Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges, building on its historic partnership with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities.
  • These centers will focus on specific needs: creating an integrated center for small farms, establishing a virtual center for the STEAM pipeline, and addressing international engagement and global food security.
  • Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the legacy of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities in growing the nation into a multicultural economic power.
  • The Centers of Excellence will serve as a consortium to increase coordination and collaboration between USDA and the 1890s schools.
  • The initial funding will help the 1890s schools improve their access to USDA programs and attract additional outside investment.
  • The USDA has partnered with 1890s schools in various ways, including providing over $132 million in funding through 350 awards across the department last year.
  • The 1890s Scholars program currently assists 55 scholars with scholarships worth approximately $35,000 each and has permanently employed over 600 Land-Grant University graduates.

Statistics:

  • $1 million: the initial investment in the three new Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges.
  • Over $132 million: the amount of funding provided to 1890s schools through 350 different awards across the entire department last year.
  • 55: the number of Scholars currently assisted through the 1890s Scholars program.
  • $35,000: the approximate value of each scholarship provided through the 1890s Scholars program.
  • 600: the number of Land-Grant University graduates permanently employed through the 1890s Scholars program.

Sources:

  • Vilsack, T. (2022, July 25). USDA Invests $1 Million in Centers of Excellence with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities.
  • USDA. (2022). Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Historic Investment in 1890 Colleges.