HBCU Hopeful Accepted Into 14 Different Colleges, Received Over $1M In Merit Scholarships

Before enrolling in a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), 16-year-old Curtis Lawrence III had more than a million other reasons to celebrate.

CBS affiliate WCTV reports that Johnson — a soon-to-be graduate of The School Without Walls in Washington, D.C. — took both high school and college courses at the same time.

Lawrence III took his college courses at George Washington University.

All these accomplishments meant that the 16-year-old could apply to college early — which is exactly what he did — and finished with an associate’s degree before he got accepted into 14 different colleges.

In addition to Morehouse (an HBCU), Lawrence III got accepted into Harvard and Yale. He also got accepted into other HBCUs, like Morgan State and Howard University.

The full list of schools that accepted Lawrence III includes North Carolina A&T University, Hampton University, Claflin University, Hutson-Tillotson University, George Washington University, West Virginia Wesleyan, UC Berkeley, and University of Chicago.

However, ultimately, Lawrence III decided to attend Florida A&M University, another HBCU, in Tallahassee.

In addition to being accepted to 14 different colleges, Johnson III was also awarded $1.65 million in merit scholarships.

While at the HBCU, Johnson III is expected to pursue a double major in computer science and biology as well as a minor in Mandarin. Ultimately, according to his mother, Malene Johnson, Curtis’ dream is to become a paleontologist and get his Ph.D.

Malene also said that the Johnsons began preparing young Curtis for this moment from the time he was in seventh grade.

And in the Johnson household, scholastic success is a family affair.

Johnson III’s father said that this level of success was to be expected in his family.

“We’ve taught them from an early age that education is key to opening up the opportunities and having access to things that they want out of life,” the elder Johnson told Fox 5 DC.

Congratulations are in order for this bright young man, who is sure to have a successful future!