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A new land grant scholarship is available to incoming freshmen seeking degrees in food science, agriculture and related sciences.
In this photo: A new land grant scholarship is available to incoming freshmen seeking degrees in food science, agriculture and related sciences.
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Land Grant Scholarship available to freshmen

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have partnered to provide the DSU-CAST 1890 Agricultural Scholarship Program, which encourages incoming and current students to pursue careers in food, agricultural and related sciences. The program is administered through the University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST).

Scholarships will be awarded annually, and must be used at Delaware State University. Each award is renewable each year for the term of the scholarship and provides full tuition, room, and board. The scholarship renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and academic progress toward the Bachelor’s degree.

Congressman David Scott (Ga.) championed the legislation that created this fund for students seeking to major in food, agricultural and related sciences at 1890 Land-Grant Universities. Higher education officials nationwide have praised his tireless efforts to provide critical financial assistance and offer hope during the economic stress and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The funding provided by USDA covers tuition, room and board for selected high school seniors and college students, said Dr. Marikis Alverez, associate dean for 1890 Land Grant Research and Scholarship. “Delaware State University extends special thanks to Congressman David Scott and to Delaware’s Congressional delegation: Senators Thomas Carper and Christopher Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. They are each to be commended for their support of this legislation and tireless support of Delaware State University.”

“These scholarships help ensure the continuity of a highly-skilled workforce in food, agriculture and related fields of study, and provides students with stability during a time of national crisis” said President Tony Allen. “Both are essential elements of the Land-Grant mission of Delaware State University.”

The scholarships target high school seniors and current college students. Eligibility requirements for each classification include:

For High School applicants:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Have applied for or have been accepted for admission to Delaware State University
  • Have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate with a high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 unweighted (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Seek to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines
  • Demonstrate leadership and community service

For College applicants:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be a college freshman or sophomore
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Attend Delaware State University
  • Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines
  • Demonstrate leadership and community service

Deadline for application is June 19, 2020. For more information and for application materials, visit the CAST website at http://cast.desu.edu or contact Dr. Marikis Alvarez: malvarez [at] desu.edu; 302.857.6400

Funds for this scholarship are made available through Section 7117 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.