Hagan Announces $2.7 Million in Grants for NC A&T to Boost Agricultural Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, a member of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University eight grants totaling $2,718,294 to support research, teaching and upgrades to its facilities and equipment. The grants are part of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program and intended to strengthen Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities.

"I'm pleased NC A&T has been awarded these grants, which will provide opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers and benefit our entire agriculture industry," Hagan said. "NC A&T's outstanding agricultural programs help ensure that students from every background can pursue careers in food science, perform cutting-edge research and generate innovative ideas that improve how we grow and deliver food. I will continue to support NC A&T and all North Carolina colleges and universities that prepare our students for fulfilling careers."

Agriculture is North Carolina's largest industry. It generates $77 billion in economic activity and employs nearly one-fifth of the state's workforce.

Through the 1890 Institution Research, Extension and Teaching Capacity Building Grants program, NC A&T will receive:
· Three awards worth a total of $898,618 for research;
· Three awards worth a total of $431,738 for teaching, and;
· One award worth $249,998 for extension programs.

NC A&T will also receive one award worth $1,137,940 for acquiring and improving food sciences facilities and equipment through the 1890 Facilities Grant Program.

Hagan has been a strong advocate for funding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and has long supported key investments in Minority-Serving Institutions.

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