Kid Farmer In Georgia Receives Full-Ride Scholarship To Study Agriculture At HBCU

Kendall Rae Johnson may be the only 10-year-old in America with a college scholarship already in her hands.

Kendall Rae Johnson of Georgia may be the only 10-year-old in America with a college scholarship already in her hands.

Johnson already made history as the youngest certified farmer in the country, a feat she accomplished at the age of 6. Now, South Carolina State University, an HBCU, has issued the full-ride scholarship to the elementary schooler for her knack for farming.

“She just wanted to grow,” her mom, Ursula, said to 11Alive. “Once she found her love of growing, that blossomed into what you see today.”

The kid farmer runs her own backyard garden, which hosts everything, from a variety of vegetables while caring for farm animals themselves. Despite Johnson’s young age, she has become a seasoned farmer as she helps her family’s homestead.

Her green thumb appealed to leadership at South Carolina State, which granted the tween a full-ride scholarship usually reserved for athletes. The school’s president, Alexander Conyers, told Johnson’s mom that he felt inspired to give the scholarship to an “ag scholar,” as people like Johnson matter just as much as athletes. The news is especially relevant as new anti-DEI rule jeopardizes Black farmers future and present.

Johnson’s family remains supportive of her agricultural dreams. “It’s living with the ceiling open,” Ursula said. “We have no idea where we’re going, but we’re just following.”

The 10-year-old wants to expand her farm to 100 acres, with longhorn cattle, poultry, and more.

Alongside the exciting, and perhaps record-making news, Johnson continues to inspire other young growers to keep exploring all things agriculture. She also promotes youth farming scholarships as a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador.

“I want to tell them to keep growing. Keep going. Keep being amazing. You do you!” Johnson said.