OUR WHY
Having personally benefited from the rich heritage of HBCUs, we've experienced upward mobility and now aim to extend the same opportunities to others. Recognizing that many HBCU students are first-generation and Pell Grant eligible, we strive to make college accessible, supporting them throughout their journey to ensure a successful transition beyond graduation.
Supporting HBCU students reflects our commitment to giving back as philanthropists and advocates for HBCUs.
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VISION FOR THE FUTURE
At KR Scholars, we are driven by a bold vision for the future. By 2030, we aspire to award $100,000 in scholarships to deserving HBCU students, ensuring that they have the support they need to pursue higher education while lessening the burden of student loan debt. In parallel, we are dedicated to graduating 500 HBCU students through our groundbreaking Financial Literacy Foundations Institute, equipping them with essential financial skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world. With a commitment to fostering excellence and empowering the next generation of leaders coming from HBCUs, we are excited to embark on this transformative journey to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce.
KR Scholars traces its roots back to 2020 when it was established by the dedicated couple Rufus and Kristen Johnson, both proud HBCU graduates who experienced the transformative power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities firsthand. Amidst the pandemic and following the George Floyd tragedy that swept the nation, Rufus and Kristen were moved by a shared mission: to promote positive change within their sphere of influence. Initially driven by their personal commitment to philanthropy, they set out to make a difference with their own resources. In 2021, the foundation formally evolved into a nonprofit, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of their remarkable journey. Since 2020 the organization has grown exponentially, awarding over $25,000 in scholarships to over 20 HBCU students.
The foundation's focus extends beyond scholarship support, by also emphasizing financial literacy and workforce readiness for HBCU students. Looking ahead, they aspire to guide high school students in their transition to HBCUs through their innovative program, "The HBCU Bridge." As our mission and impact continues to thrive, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating the future of higher education at HBCUs.
Our Story
OUR PROGRAMS
What We Offer
We take a multifaceted approach to helping scholars achieve success. Our programs include scholarships, college prep, financial literacy, and workforce readiness for current and aspiring HBCU students.
Mrs. Genola Dunlap
Northwestern State University
Brian Davis
Winston Salem State University
Dr. Ramine Alexander
Winston Salem State University
Kendrick Best
Winston Salem State University
Chantiny Reese
North Carolina A&T State University
Minta Cliett
Albany State University
Bridgitte Miller Powell
North Carolina A&T State University
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet the Team
We take a multifaceted approach to helping scholars achieve success. Our programs include scholarships, college prep, financial literacy, and workforce readiness for current and aspiring HBCU students.
GET INVOLVED
Support an HBCU Scholar
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Do you accept donations year round?Yes, we accept donations around the year. We accept donations of any amount. No amount is too big or too small. Kreative Solutions HBCU Scholarship Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization and public charity. Contributions to KR Scholars are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. KR Scholar's tax identification number is 86-1253535.
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Is KR Scholars eligible for corporate matching?Yes! KR Scholars (Kreative Solutions HBCU Scholarship Foundation) is eligible to receive corporate matches. Please check and see if your employer will match your charitable gift and double your impact now!
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Who is eligible for your scholarship?Full time sophomore, juniors, and seniors at our nations Historically Black Colleges with a 2.75 GPA and higher are eligible for our scholarships. Our scholarship is open to all majors and student must demonstrate financial need.
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Why does KR Scholars focus on HBCUs?Historically Black Colleges & Universities were established to serve the educational needs of black Americans. Prior to the time of their establishment, and for many years afterwards, blacks were generally denied admission to traditionally white institutions. "At a time when many schools barred their doors to black Americans, these colleges offered the best, and often the only, opportunity for a higher education." Since their inception, the rich heritage of HBCUs has been a treasure in the Black community consistently transforming the lives of its students in all industries. Founders Rufus and Kristen Johnson are both graduates of HBCUs and have benefited from their experiences personally and professionally. KR Scholars wants to uplift the cause of HBCUs and is committed to supporting HBCU scholars that may be attending college as a first generation college student or coming from backgrounds that have limited financial resources. Additionally, we want to support the pipeline of future leaders emerging from HBCUs and help them navigate from campus to career. Our desire is to help bridge the wealth gap by lessening the burden of student loan debt and empowering our scholars with tools like stock investing and other wealth building tools at an early age.