This resolution expresses the sense of Congress to observe August 30, 2025, as the 135th anniversary of the historically significant 1890 Institutions.
Alma Adams
Representative
NC-12
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress to observe August 30, 2025, as the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions. It recognizes the vital history and ongoing contributions of these 19 historically Black land-grant universities to education, research, and community extension. The bill encourages federal and state partners to celebrate this milestone and reaffirms commitment to strengthening federal collaboration with these institutions.
Congress Recognizes 135 Years of 1890 Institutions, Pushing for Stronger Federal-University Partnerships
This resolution is a legislative high-five to the 19 historically Black land-grant universities, collectively known as the 1890 Institutions. It officially marks August 30, 2025, as the 135th anniversary of these schools and is essentially Congress saying, "We see you, and we appreciate the work you do." The core of this resolution is recognition, but it also signals a commitment to strengthening the financial and collaborative ties between these universities and the federal government, particularly the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Land-Grant Legacy: More Than Just Degrees
For the 88,000-plus students currently attending these 1890 Institutions, this resolution reinforces the importance of their schools. These universities—like Tuskegee, Florida A&M, and North Carolina A&T—were established to focus on agriculture, mechanical arts, and research, serving a population historically excluded from higher education. The resolution specifically highlights that Congress has provided significant support, including $60 million in scholarship funds in 2025 alone, alongside money for facility upgrades and assistance for disadvantaged farmers. This isn't just symbolic; it’s an acknowledgment of the crucial role these institutions play in developing talent in STEM and agricultural sciences.
Matching Funds and Real-World Impact
One key detail this resolution calls out is the existing requirement for state governments to match federal funding dollar-for-dollar for agricultural research and extension programs at these universities. This matching requirement, laid out in laws like the Smith-Lever Act, is what keeps the lights on for vital community programs. For example, if you live in a rural area, the agricultural extension agent who helps local farmers adopt new tech or manages 4-H youth programs is often funded through this federal-state partnership. By reaffirming this requirement, the resolution pressures states to uphold their end of the bargain, which directly impacts the quality and reach of services available to local communities.
Breaking Down Bureaucratic Silos
The resolution doesn't just look backward; it looks forward by encouraging other federal agencies to set up task forces similar to the existing USDA1890 Task Force. This is a practical step aimed at improving collaboration. Think of it this way: if you’re a university researcher working on a project that crosses over between agriculture and, say, energy, having a dedicated task force makes it easier to navigate the bureaucracy and secure funding from multiple agencies. Essentially, Congress is trying to make it less of an administrative headache for these universities to partner with the government. Finally, Congress commits to working across the aisle to "fix past issues related to funding and program fairness" for the 1890 Institutions, which is an aspirational nod toward addressing historical inequities in federal support.