Our Work

Our Programs

Programs Driving Change

Our initiatives are all about making a real, lasting impact. From urban greening initiatives to addressing food insecurity, community health & wellness, and environmental responsibility, we’re tackling critical issues with eco-friendly solutions.

Who We Serve

Supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Their Extended Communities

Faculty and Staff

Providing resources and initiatives that make their work more impactful and rewarding.

Community Members

Delivering tangible benefits that enhance quality of life and provide local engagement opportunities.

University Leaders

Empowering presidents and deans to reach new heights in academic excellence and innovation.

Students

Creating opportunities for student engagement and growth, both academically and within their communities.

Foundation Initiatives & Programs

Career Development Conference

Preparing Students for Employment conducts workshops to provide skills training and instruct 1890 university students in the process of securing internships and careers with the Federal Government. Human Capital Professionals provide one-on-one consultations, resume review, interview preparation, and career readiness workshops.

Student participation across the last four conferences ranged from 75-117 students, with at least 14 schools participating. At least 90% of participants rated the conference and facilitators as good or excellent.

Success Metrics/Outcomes: Maximum participation by 1890 students and universities in conference workshops; evaluation feedback ratings of good (4) or excellent (5); number of students who receive intern or job opportunities with USDA.
Current/Recent Successes: March 2026 conference: 57% Excellent and 38% Good overall participant rating; conference speakers rated 55% Excellent and 35% Good. Students learn networking techniques, professional dress, career tips, cultural and generational differences, office etiquette, volunteering, and social media management in the workplace.
Key Partners: 1890 Universities Foundation and USDA
Additional Notes: Conducted with the Federal Pathways Program's core principles in mind: openness, workforce planning, and training and career development.

AgFTAP Cooperators

AgFTAP Cooperators deliver targeted technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and foresters facing financial challenges and seeking support with loan servicing and program access, working through a collaborative network in partnership with USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Over 300 open technical assistance cases through end of Q2

Success Metrics/Outcomes: Number of farmers who receive technical financial assistance and improve their financial position.
Current/Recent Successes: Over 300 open technical assistance cases through end of Q2. Increased understanding of USDA programs. Acquisition of USDA and private funding. Increased understanding of participants' financial situations.
Key Partners: USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA); University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Southern Risk Management Education Center; 1890 Universities Foundation (grants management)

Improving the FSA Customer Service Experience for Underutilized and Rural Producers

This USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) initiative aims to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of FSA staff and external partners through targeted training and professional development, improving their ability to support producers involved in specialty crops, alternative production models, and emerging agricultural enterprises.

Success Metrics/Outcomes: Creation and delivery of customer service and outreach tools and training for FSA staff and external partners; outreach and education to better support rural and underutilized producers; increased participation by rural and underutilized producers in FSA programs.
Current/Recent Successes: Key project partners have been identified and the project workflow is in place.
Key Partners: Alabama A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University, Langston University, University of the Virgin Islands

Visitors may be encouraged to complete a stakeholder survey through university extension services.

1890-DVMC Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

The 1890 Universities Foundation and Developing Veterinary Medicine Careers (DVMC) partner to create pathways for outstanding students at 1890 universities to pursue careers in veterinary medicine.

17 scholarships / $400,000 awarded since 2023

2026 cohort increased to 10 scholarships

Maximum award of $80,000 per student

Four-year partnership total: $500,000+ across 26 students

Current/Recent Successes: Since the program's inception in 2023, 17 scholarships totaling $400,000 have been awarded to 1890 students. For 2026, DVMC increased the number of scholarships from 7 to 10 — one student from each of the 19 1890 universities may apply, with 10 selected to receive an annual $10,000 scholarship, increasing to $15,000/year for veterinary college, for a maximum award of $80,000 per student. Over the four-year partnership, more than $500,000 in scholarships has been generated for 26 students from 1890 universities.
Key Partners: DVMC (Developing Veterinary Medicine Careers); each of the 19 1890 universities via an institutional contact who selects and supports the applicant

Next Gen (Learning to Leading, Cultivating the Next Generation of Food and Agriculture Professionals)

Hosted by UMES, NextGen is a collaboration of four universities building a pipeline for the next generation of professionals in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences through leadership development, international experiential learning, outreach, and engagement — including preparing students for future USDA employment.

Success Metrics/Outcomes: Partnerships developed; student pathways to federal employment; student recruitment and retention; curricula development; data management; program evaluation. (Categories only — no numbers attached yet.)
Key Partners: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (lead), Florida A&M University, Southern University A&M College, Kentucky State University

Corporate Partners and Donors

Join Us in Creating Lasting Change

We collaborate with individuals and organizations at every level—local, state, and federal—who recognize the crucial role our institutions play in addressing health, climate, and environmental justice issues in agriculture and STEM. Our partners share our core values and are committed to driving real, driving systemic change where it’s needed most.

Support Our Cause

Make an Impact with a Click

Every donation helps us continue our mission of supporting education and innovation at historically black colleges and universities. Your contribution makes a difference today.

Support 1890 Universities

Make a Difference with Your Contribution

When you support the 1890 Universities Foundation, you’re not just making a donation—you’re joining a movement that drives education, research, and community empowerment at historically black colleges and universities. Whether through financial contributions, shopping, scholarships, volunteering, advocacy, or events, your involvement fuels our mission. Discover how you can be a part of this transformative journey.

Engage With Us

Become a partner in creating change through one of our strategic engagement opportunities:

Donations

Empower Our Mission with Your Generosity

Your donations are crucial to our success. Each contribution helps sustain and grow our programs, directly impacting education and community initiatives.

Invest in the Future

Dr. Mort Neufville Scholarship Fund

Invest in the Dr. Mort Neufville Scholarship Fund and be part of a legacy that spans a remarkable 53-year career dedicated to the advancement of Black Land-Grant universities. This scholarship honors Dr. Neufville’s profound commitment to the ’19 Strong’ – pillars of agricultural education, research, and extension. Your contribution is more than a gift; it is a tribute to a storied career that has fortified the foundations of these universities.

Join us in celebrating and sustaining the vibrant future of the 19 Black Land-Grant universities, a mission close to Dr. Neufville’s heart.

Programs

Nurture Future Leaders at our 1890 Communities

We are committed to fostering the growth of students at historically black colleges and universities. Through the support of the 1890 Council of Academic Deans and crucial funding from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), we offer robust programs designed to boost educational outcomes and prepare students for impactful careers in agriculture, food, and related sciences.

1890 Scholarship Program

Fueling Dreams with Financial Support and Mentorship

The 1890 Scholarship Program is at the heart of our mission to promote higher education in food and agricultural sciences. Thanks to a generous $19 million grant from USDA-NIFA, we offer scholarships to exceptional students pursuing degrees in these vital fields.

Scholarship Benefits: Beyond financial assistance, recipients receive extensive support, including mentorship, engagement opportunities, and specialized training.
Impact: This program has significantly increased enrollment in agricultural sciences and related disciplines, nurturing a skilled workforce poised to innovate within the food and agricultural systems.

Career Development

Paving the Way to Professional Excellence

Our career development initiatives equip students with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in the workforce. We emphasize practical training, networking, and professional growth to ensure our students are career-ready.

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