Kosciusko native among 1 Alcorn State students selected for USDA’s 1890 National Scholars Program

A Kosciusko native has been chosen as one of 11 Alcorn State students selected for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Scholars Program.

In a press release, the school announced Kosciusko native Vinterrious Hunt was selected for the program.

Hunt, a 2022 graduate of Kosciusko High School, is studying Agriculture science with a concentration in agricultural education at Alcorn State.

Hunt, who is also on the school’s track team, recently transferred to Alcorn from Coahoma Community College.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and is administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). Alcorn State University is the nation’s oldest land-grant HBCU.

“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is an important pathway for careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, development—and at USDA,” said OPPE Director Lisa Ramirez. “USDA is committed to fostering a more diverse workforce and to helping students be successful in their studies and in the workforce.”

The program provides support to scholarship recipients that go beyond traditional financial aid. Scholars receive full tuition coverage, along with comprehensive support for fees and book expenses. Additionally, the program covers room and board, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their academic and professional development. The scholarship is further enhanced by internship opportunities across various USDA agencies, giving students real-world experience in their chosen fields.

Alcorn Scholars: Conrad Amos, Erionna Jarvis, Jaylon McDougal, Je’Milya Hudson, Jo’Shariah McCray, K’Cy Jones, Kaiden Hollins, Kendalyn Washington, NiShan Shears, and Vinterrious Hunt. Not pictured is Christian Jones.