ABOUT
KR SCHOLARS
MISSION & HISTORY.
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. 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. In just two short years, 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 WHY.
As graduates of Historically Black Colleges, we have benefitted personally and professionally from the rich heritage of those institutions. We want to support the pipeline of future leaders emerging from HBCUs and help them navigate the transition from campus to career.
Understanding that many students attending HBCUs have unique needs and situations such as first generation college students, 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.
VISION.
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.
