Non Technical Summary
The USDA 1890 Scholarships project at Tennessee State University will provide support for academically talented students pursuing degrees in food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. Over the next four years, the program will increase enrollment, retention, and graduation of students in these fields by combining financial assistance with strong academic and career support.Student scholars will benefit from career readiness workshops, proactive advising, dedicated mentoring, and opportunities to participate in undergraduate research. These high-impact practices will enhance the College of Agriculture's ability to recruit and retain top students, while preparing graduates with the scientific, technical, and professional skills necessary to succeed.The project will be continuously evaluated to ensure its effectiveness in preparing students to continue into graduate studies or enter the U.S. agricultural workforce directly, where they can contribute to meeting the nation's growing food and agricultural needs.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
903	6099	3020	100%

Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
6099 - People and communities, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;

Goals / Objectives
The Tennessee State University (TSU) 1890 Scholarship initiative aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in the fields of food, agriculture, and natural resources. With support from the USDA 1890 Scholarship Program, this project will enhance our capacity to recruit, mentor, and graduate students whoare preparedto contribute to the agriculture and food industries.By developing a highly skilled workforce, the program supports the USDA's goal of promoting rural prosperity and economic growth. It will expand educational opportunities for students with strong potential, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to complete their bachelor's degree and succeed in their chosen career path.Project GoalsStrengthen the College of Agriculture's capacity to recruit and retain talented undergraduates;Increase the number of students completing full-time coursework to earn bachelor's degrees in food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences;Provide hands-on experiences, mentoring, and training that build scientific, technical, and professional skills;Evaluate and improve program outcomes to ensure graduates are well prepared for advanced studies or immediate entry into the U.S. agriculture workforce.Through this effort, TSU reaffirms its commitment to student success and to building a workforce that meets the growing needs of agriculture, food systems, and natural resources nationwide.

Project Methods
To increase the number of students pursuing degrees in food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences, the project will implement Vincent Tinto's Student Integration Model. Each year, a new cohort of students willbe recruitedto participate in a structured program that includes early exposure to the field, intentional mentoring, proactive advising, and experiential learning opportunities.The design of this program draws on established theories of cognition and learning. Hands-on research and experiential learning opportunities, available at both the high school and undergraduate levels, offer benefits that extend far beyond technical skills. Structured research experiences with faculty mentors or professionals help students develop critical thinking abilities, strengthen personal and professional relationships, improve retention, and encourage aspirations for graduate study (Haak et al., 2011; Freeman et al., 2014).The project willbe carefully evaluatedto measure progress toward objectives and to identify areas for improvement. Evaluation activities will serve several key purposes:Assess the effectiveness of the project in preparing and graduating students for careers in the agricultural workforce.Ensure students successfully meet program requirements.Enhance the undergraduate research experience within the College of Agriculture.Share findings and best practices with the agricultural and science education research community.