Young farmer awarded full-ride scholarship
Kendall Rae Johnson has secured an $83,500 full-ride scholarship to South Carolina State University. The 10-year-old, who became Georgia’s youngest certified farmer at age six, received the news while touring the university’s research farms and agricultural programs.
The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board. Johnson’s excitement was clear as she thanked the school and enjoyed a tractor ride at the farm. South Carolina State President Alexander Conyers praised her focus, saying, “It’s not every day you meet a 10-year-old who talks about microorganisms, crop counts, and longhorn cattle. She’s remarkable.”
Early passion for farming
Johnson’s journey began in a small patio garden with her great-grandmother Laura “Kate” Williams. Together, they planted collard greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. By age four, her parents built her a bigger garden bed, sparking her deeper interest in growing food.
At six, she earned her farming tract ID, making her Georgia’s youngest certified farmer. She now works on her family’s urban farm, aGROWKulture, in Southwest Atlanta. The farm produces everything from tomatoes to honey while hosting youth farming education programs.
Inspiring the next generation
Beyond farming, Johnson is the founder of Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, a nonprofit that teaches youth about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. She is also the author of the children’s book My Farm Biz, sharing her farming story with young readers.
Her achievements have been widely recognized. In 2023, Georgia honored her with “Kendall Rae Johnson Day” on March 23. She also serves as a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, traveling nationwide to promote youth farming leadership and financial literacy.
A big vision for the future
Johnson recently completed a national college tour, visiting land-grant universities such as Prairie View A&M, Tennessee State, and Virginia State. Until she is old enough to attend South Carolina State, she plans to continue working on her South Fulton farm.
The young farmer has bold dreams for her future. “I want at least 100 acres. And a longhorn, baby,” she said with a smile.
