Greg Payne

Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU)

Agriculture and/or Natural Resources (ANR) Scholarship

Minnesota Chapter National Organization of Professional Black

Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees (NOPBNRCSE)

General Description of the Greg Payne ANR Scholarship Program:

Many minority and low-income high school graduates or college students would continue their education each year if they were financially able to attend or continue their education at an institution of higher learning.

The Payne-Woodard family and the Minnesota Chapter of NOPBNRCSE recognizes this need as well as the need to provide assistance and support to our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) such as PVAMU. Historically, PVAMU has been the foundation and the example for secondary education available to underprivileged groups in Texas. The family and we feel it is imperative that the MN NOPBNRCSE respond to the efforts being made to support this source and tradition of rich history and accomplishment for minority and low-income students. Therefore, the scholarship(s) awarded by the Payne-Woodard family and the MN Chapter of NOPBNRCSE should be given to students attending PVAMU or those planning to attend PVAMU. The recipient(s) must also be pursuing a degree in agriculture or other natural resources-related sciences at PVAMU.

Purpose of Scholarship:

The purpose of this Greg Payne ANR scholarship is to increase the number of students enrolled in the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and studying in the field of Agriculture and Natural Resources and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture or Natural Resources at PVAMU. Students already receiving any other full-tuition scholarship such as the 1890 USDA scholars, etc., are not eligible for this scholarship.

Frequency of Scholarship:

Based on funds available, one or more Greg Payne Agricultural and Natural Resources scholarships for the sum of $1,000 will be awarded to eligible students each year. If funds are available more than one scholarship may be awarded. The recipient(s) are expected to provide a copy of their transcript to MN NOPBNRCSE at the end of each semester period the scholarship grant is provided.

Scholarship selection is based upon the following criteria:  (*Must have U.S Citizenship)

  1. Two character recommendations from a teacher/professor (attached)
  2. A character recommendation from a personal source (pastor, counselor, etc.)
  3. Recommendations from relatives are not acceptable
  4. Minimum of 20 hours of Community Service hours documented (attached)
  5. Proof of acceptance or enrollment at PVAM University with no more than 89 earned hours
  6. High School or College transcript (2.5 GPA or greater)
  7. Student essay of 500 words or less describing “My Career In Agriculture and Related Sciences”
  8. Statement or Letter indicating student financial need and how this scholarship will help expand your college education and opportunities
(Students already receiving any full tuition scholarship (i.e. McCabe, LINK, USDA/1890, etc) are not eligible for this scholarship)

Application Form
Please submit the completed application form to horace.hodge@usda.gov.