Hard Work and Perseverance Pay Off for USDA/1890 National Scholar
|
Posted By: Melissa Blair on September 27, 2023 California native Floyd D. Harris III knows that perseverance and hard work pay off. A recent graduate of Southern University, an 1890 land-grant university in Louisiana, Harris applied several times to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 National Scholars Program. He was thrilled when he was finally selected, especially since the scholarship provided financial assistance to complete his B.S. in Animal Science during his junior and senior years. “The most important thing is to know who you are and why you are in college,” he said. “There are many distractions, but it’s your job to stay focused.” He recommends that students network as much as possible and explore all available opportunities. “You may not know what you want right away, so it’s important to try new things that can help you determine what you like,” he said. He credits the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program with helping him network and gain exposure to different USDA programs. For example, through the program, he learned which classes he needed for working with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), where he interned last summer in Plymouth, Wisconsin to gain valuable work experience. After graduating, he started his full-time position as a soil conservationist with NRCS in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Harris says this new career provides the best of both worlds, working outside in nature with agricultural producers, and working in the office on conservation planning. “The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program provides opportunities for students to be guided by professionals during their college matriculation,” said Tiffany Franklin, the USDA 1890 liaison for Southern University with the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). “The program also allows scholars to gain valuable experience, making them workforce ready for their sponsoring agency upon graduation.” OPPE manages the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, which is aimed at increasing the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees, books, and room and board and may also include work experience at USDA. The program is open to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as college freshmen, sophomores and juniors. “This program has many facets, but growing professionals is a major part of our responsibility to our students,” said Franklin. “Mr. Harris is a true example of how the program is beneficial both personally and professionally.” If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Melissa Blair
Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Southwest Texas St Univ class of 1993 Member Since September 2023 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
MEDIA ALERT! USA -Call for Submissions- Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with PowerMEDIA ALERT! USA
-Call for Submissions-
Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with Power is currently under development by the visionary team of Gumbo for the Soul International®.
This a ...more
Beverly Johnson • 21 Views • February 10th, 2026 |
 |
Keeping the Faith!!!! 10 Videos, MindMap, CheetSheet, and so much more to discuss FAITH!!!!https://learners.juniquesadservice.com/courses/offers/21e32619-5774-44e2-93d9-a3df7d93a778
Welcome to the course for You!!! Keep The Faith
Video 0- Introduction
Video 1 Why Faith is So Import ...more
rickey johnson • 96 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
 |
RON CARTER & RICKY DILLARD Is Taking Church To The Jazz Club With New Single "Open My Eyes"@RONCARTER #RONCARTER@RICKYDILLARD #RICKYDILLARDLegendary in the genres of Jazz and Gospel music, the "Maestro" Ron Carter and the "Choirmaster" Ricky Dillard are taking church to the Jazz club with t ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 72 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
 |
Who were the Original Founders of YouTube?Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Lifehack Academy. In this video, I'm happy to explain who were the original founders of youtube. Let's watch till the end to know more.
On February 14, 2005, Ste ...more
How May I Help You NC • 112 Views • February 8th, 2026 |
 |
Unc, Ocho, & LT GET REAL on why Running Backs get PAID the WORST in the NFL! | NightcapShannon Sharpe, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and NFL Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson break down why the running back position is the most undervalued in the NFL when it comes to contracts a ...more
How May I Help You NC • 86 Views • February 8th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,732 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,160 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,810 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,446 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
