NMC Impacted by Trump's Pause of NextGen Scholarship Fund

The Trump administration has paused funding for the NextGen Scholarship program, affecting Northern Marianas College (NMC) and its students awaiting financial support.

The duration of the pause remains unclear.

In a statement to Marianas Press, NMC stated, "As shared with scholarship recipients, NMC is working diligently and closely with USDA to resolve the situation as soon as possible. NMC has also offered to assist recipients in seeking tuition payment extensions with their respective institutions. NMC will continue working on the matter and will send scholarship recipients another update on Tuesday, February 11."

Launched in November 2023, the NextGen Scholarship program awarded 73 scholarships by December 2024.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the program aims to train students in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

Currently, 33 projects across 24 states and territories are funded, totaling $262.5 million.

Beyond financial aid, NMC's program offers counseling, summer academies, internships, and mentorship opportunities to students.