National Scholar Program News Today

Leigh Adams grew up in Houston, Texas, where agriculture and the outdoors were a way of life for her. “When I wasn’t at school, I was in the country tending to the ranch, fishing, baling hay or hunting,” she said. “Doing these activities brought nothing but happiness.”

Zakiah Goodlow, an Alabama native and sophomore at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (A & M), credits the USDA 1890 National Scholar Program and USDA liaisons with helping her balance her many responsibilities. “[They] encourage me to enjoy the program,” she said. “They check in with me and make sure I’m doing okay.”

Program Overview The USDA/1890 National Scholar Program is aimed at bolstering educational and career opportunities for students from rural or underserved communities around the country. It was established in 1992 as part of the partnership between USDA and the 1890 land-grant universities.

Sixteen students at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are earning their degrees tuition-free thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture/1890 National Scholars Program, said Belinda Demmings, USDA liaison for UAPB.

Young people from Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties are encouraged to apply through 11:59 p.m. March 27. Online registration is available at https://ulofnwi.communityforce.com.

Housing and Development Newsletter Alarcon has been accepted to 14 universities so far and plans to attend New York University to pursue a degree in criminology. “I am beyond honored to be recognized as a Girls Inc. National Scholar,” said Alarcon. “I have been involved with Girls Inc. since the seventh grade, and at that time Girls Inc. was my safe space — playing a vital role in improving my mental health and encouraging me to pursue my career and academic goals. “My intent growing...