Non Technical Summary
The 1890 ScholarshipProgram at WVSU provides a unique opportunity for West Virginia State University students to pursue baccalaureate programs in the food and agricultural sciences. The program's goal is to increase the number of graduates with the necessary technical and technological skills for entry-level positions in these fields and related fields. This program aims to produce graduates who are ready to pursue careers in these fields to meet the workforce needs in these critical areas.The recruitment process for the program is advertised. The target prospective student population includes new first-year students, transfer students, and qualified current WVSU students. The selected students (1890 Scholars) are awarded based on a competitive selection process. Scholars are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, complete 30 credit hours each year, participate in experiential learning activities and summer internships, perform community service activities fulfilling USDA's mission, and attend monthly scholars' meetings for professional development. These activities ensure that all scholars are ready for a career placement opportunity and can ultimately impact the agricultural industry.This award will provide funding for 20 scholars' one-full-year financial support (tuition, fees, room & board, and books). Thus, this award will help some 1890 scholars graduate and advance others to achieve their graduation goals.Each scholar is mentored by at least one of the four APCs. Their progress is monitored closely through internal academic progress reporting, experiential learning activities, and community service projects. The program's and scholars'progress is monitoredregularly by the 1890 Scholarship Team, which comprises the PD and the four APCs.An Internal Steering Advisory Council (ISAC) has been established to review the program's progress and recommend improvements. ISAC, which meets at least once every semester, consists of the academic program coordinators and administrators from the offices of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Business and Finance, Financial Aid Office, Student Accounts, Registration and Records, Early Enrollment Program, University Advancement, Athletics, and Retention and Student Success.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
001	0001	0001	100%

Knowledge Area
001 - Administration;

Subject Of Investigation
0001 - Administration;

Field Of Science
0001 - Administration;

Goals / Objectives
The University will undertake the program's goal of increasing the number of graduates with the necessary technical skills for entry-level positions in the food and agricultural sciences and related fields.The recruitment goal for the 1890 Scholarship Program at WVSU has been thirty-nine (39) students for the duration of the program (this goal has been achieved and surpassed, and now the focus is to convert the recruitment into completion and to recruit more students), enrolling into one of the four academic options and concentrations beginning in the fall 2020 semester.This award will help the program achieve its goals by providing funds to support tuition and fees, room and board, and books for 20 1890 Scholars for one academic year. These funds will help scholars either graduate or make progress toward their degrees.The 1890 Scholarship Team at WVSU will closely monitor each scholar's progress. During each semester, the 1890 Scholarship Team will collect academic progress reports from each scholar twice (after the 4th and the 12th weeks). In addition, we will use each scholar's midterm grades report (in the 8th week). These progress reports help us closely monitor each scholar's progress; if needed, we can develop intervention strategies on time.Scholars will participate in experiential learning activities and off-campus summer internships. These activities aim to ensure that all scholars have a career placement opportunity and can ultimately make significant impacts in the agricultural industry. The APCs will ensure that the embedded experiential learning activities are adequate and congruent with the goals of the 1890 Scholarship Program.Mentoring of scholars will be available through different avenues, including direct support from the four Academic Program Coordinators (APCs) and the faculty members involved with academic and experiential learning activities.Each scholar will be required to attend monthly meetings, during which they will be exposed to various professional development activities and opportunities.The 1890 Scholarship Team will continue to meet regularly (usually biweekly) to evaluate the program's and students' progress.During their first year, scholars will be encouraged to use services provided by the Office of Retention and Student Success (ORSS) to assist them in setting academic goals and developing educational plans. The ORSS, available all year round, will further assist 1890 Scholars in achieving their academic goals and succeeding on their path, provide academic advice, identify student resources, and educate them about university policies and procedures.

Project Methods
All 1890 scholars will enroll in one of the following academic degree programs: B.S. in Biology (Plant and Soil Science option), B.S. in Business Administration (Agribusiness concentration), B.S. in Economics (Agricultural Economics concentration), B.S in Chemistry (Applied Chemistry option).The selection committee will review applications and will make recommendations to the program director.Students will be awarded the scholarship based on the established criteria.The scholarship amount, whether full or partial, will be determined on a need and individual basis.The scholarship will cover students' full tuition and fees, room and board (if applicable), meals, and support for books for up to 8 academic semesters.The academic progress of1890 scholars is monitored closely and regularly. If needed, intervention plans are implemented to help scholars achieve success.All scholars must participate in learning experience programs, professional internships, and leadership programs.All scholars must participate in a community service activity of USDA's interest.All scholars will be paired with a student or faculty mentor throughout the duration of the program.All scholars' progress will be monitored and tracked during the school program and upon graduation.