The Les Hilliard/Sebastian Thomas Scholarship Program is designed to provide a one-time monetary payment to an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences at one of Alabama 1890 (Land Grant) Historically Black Colleges or Universities who demonstrates outstanding academic ability.

After his death in 1993, to honor Les Hilliard, The Alabama Chapter of NOPBNRCSE named their annual scholarship "The Les Hilliard Scholarship" which goes to a deserving student majoring in Agriculture at Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Alabama.  In 2009, the name was changed to include Sebastian Thomas who passed away in 2006 while employed with Alabama NRCS.

Leslie (Les) Dean Hilliard, Jr. Soil Conservationist, NRCS State Office	Sebastian Thomas, Purchasing Agent, NRCS State Office

Donations for the Scholarship Program are being accepted. Anyone wishing to make a donation or to apply for the Scholarship should contact: 

Shirley Hall-Cole, Chairperson, Scholarship Program
USDA-NRCS
P.O. Box 311
Auburn, AL 36831
Phone: 334-887-4546    E-mail: shirley.cole-hall@al.usda.gov

Application Information