Washington D.C. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala), encourages students that are interested in studying agriculture or related fields at Alabama A&M University, or any of the eighteen Historically Black 1890 Land-Grant Universities across the nation, to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture 1890 National Scholars Program.

"This is a great opportunity for students interested in Agriculture," said Cramer.  "The Department of Agriculture is providing interested students with experience and the resources necessary to have a successful career in agriculture.  I strongly encourage interested students to apply for this program."

The USDA will provide students in the program with full tuition, fees, books, use of a personal computer, software, employment and employee benefits for each of the four years they are pursuing a bachelor's degree.  The institutions will provide the scholarship recipients with room and board for each year.  Students must agree to work one year at the USDA for each year of the scholarship.

The USDA is now accepting applications for 2004.  The applications must be submitted to the institution and received by January 15, 2004.  For more information about the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program and its requirements please visit the program's website at: http://1890Scholars.program.usda.gov.