HBCU Awards Full-Ride Scholarship to 10-Year-Old Farmer

By Tolly Carr – HBCU Gameday | Updated August 6, 2025

At just ten years old, Kendall Rae Johnson—Georgia’s youngest certified farmer—has earned a full scholarship to South Carolina State University (SC State), one of the nation’s leading HBCUs. The award honors her exceptional achievements in agriculture and reflects HBCUs’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black leaders.

A Campus Visit Turned Life-Changer

While touring 1890 land-grant HBCUs with her family, Kendall Rae visited SC State’s 300-acre Research & Demonstration Farm in Orangeburg, SC. There, she met SC State President Alexander Conyers, who surprised her with the 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholarship—valued at $83,598—covering tuition, fees, and room and board.

President Conyers praised her dedication:

“We were blown away by Kendall Rae’s focus and maturity. She speaks with passion about crop cycles, soil health, and even longhorn cattle. Her future is bright.”

From Backyard Garden to Certified Farmer

Kendall Rae’s farming journey began at age 3 alongside her great-grandmother. By 6, she became Georgia’s youngest certified farmer. Now, she manages nearly an acre of land, growing strawberries, tomatoes, apples, okra, and more. Her accomplishments have drawn national attention, inspiring other young people to explore agriculture.

Leading Through Education and Advocacy

Kendall Rae founded Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, a nonprofit teaching children about farming, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. As a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, she champions food justice and agricultural education. Her father, Quentin Johnson, credits her for transforming their family’s lifestyle:

“She pulled me into this. Now we’re all growing together—literally.”

Big Goals for the Future

Kendall Rae dreams of owning at least 100 acres of farmland and raising longhorn cattle. She’s particularly excited about SC State’s international agriculture programs, including goat research in The Gambia.

During her visit, she told staff with a smile:

“I’ll be back in 10 years to see all the new buildings.”

With SC State investing over $250 million in campus development, her timing may be perfect.

The HBCU Impact

This scholarship is a testament to the role HBCUs play in identifying and supporting young Black innovators long before college. President Conyers believes Kendall Rae will make an enduring mark:

“Kendall Rae Johnson is exactly the kind of student we want to support. She’s a future leader—here at SC State and beyond.”