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Transforming Futures, One HBCU Scholar at a Time

We aim to create opportunities that enhance educational and professional success for students attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).

THE LANDSCAPE

HBCUs make up only 3% of the country’s colleges and universities, yet they are responsible for 22% of Bachelor’s Degrees attained by Blacks.

A man leaning against a Morehouse College sign

HBCUs open doors of opportunity for many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students.

Approximately 73% of attendees qualify for Pell Grants, indicating financial need and about 52% are first-generation college students. The financial strain can lead to higher dropout rates, increased debt, delayed graduation, and limit opportunities for academic success and career advancement.

OUR MISSION

Empower student success beyond graduation by providing current and future HBCU scholars with scholarships, financial literacy, and workforce readiness programs.

OUR STORY

Yesterday's HBCU grads helping today's HBCU scholars succeed.

KR Scholars' founders standing and holding hands

We're Rufus and Kristen Johnson. Proud HBCU grads who credit our early success to the transformative power of our HBCU experiences. We founded KR Scholars in 2020 to help more HBCU students graduate and change the course of their economic trajectory.

OUR SCHOLARS ATTEND

HBCUs across the country

Enhancing college readiness and increasing HBCU enrollment for high school students in underserved communities.

Provides the next generation with essential financial skills to be empowered for life success.

Provides necessary information, skills, and insights needed to thrive after graduation.

Annual scholarship helping make education more accessible for outstanding HBCU students.

OUR PROGRAMS

What We Offer

We take a multifaceted approach to support our scholars, focusing on skill development, and resource access to ensure their success, retention, and college completion. Our programs include scholarships, college prep, financial literacy, and workforce readiness for current and aspiring HBCU students.

+$50,000

Provided in scholarship funding

200

HBCU Empowered Scholars & Counting

BY THE NUMBERS

Our Impact

STUDENT STORIES

"Thanks to KR Scholars, I have been able to continue my educational journey without stress. Not only that, they have helped me step out of my shell and become a leader in my community. It isn’t just a foundation, it’s a family.” 

Jessica Grimes, DDS Candidate at Meharry Medical College

4x KR Scholar

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STUDENT STORIES

“Your generosity and investment in my education means the world to me. It allows me to get closer and closer to my dream of becoming a dentist”.

Christian Davis, XULA