E8-27679. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 17, 2008.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

Title: USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Application.

OMB Control Number: 0503-0015.

Summary of Collection: The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a joint human capital initiative between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Historical Black Land-Grant Universities. Through the program, USDA offers scholarships to high school students who are seeking a bachelor's degree, in the fields of agriculture, food, or natural resources sciences and related majors, at one of the eighteen Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. In order for graduating high school students to be considered for the scholarship, a completed application is required.

Need and Use of the Information: The information to be collected from the application includes the applicant name, address, educational background (grade point average, test scores), name of universities interested in attending, desired major, extracurricular activities, interest and habits. The information will be used to assist the selecting agencies in their process of identifying potential recipients of the scholarship.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 1,200.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 3,600.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.