Student at Historically Black College and University (HBCU) elected to attend Florida A&M University over prestigious Ivy League schools Harvard and Yale, and is now set to graduate.

Student at Historically Black College and University (HBCU) elected to attend Florida A&M University over prestigious Ivy League schools Harvard and Yale, and is now set to graduate.

A remarkable student named Curtis Lawrence III is all set to graduate from Florida A&M University (FAMU), having chosen it over esteemed institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Morehouse College. He made waves in 2021, enrolling at FAMU at the tender age of 16, making history as the youngest student ever at the university. Now, he's ready to continue his impressive academic journey.

In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, Curtis shared, "The past four years here have seen a lot of changes in me, and I'm ready for the next chapter."

Curtis' journey to FAMU was anything but conventional. After enrolling at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., at 14, he was recognized as the youngest freshman in the university's history. With a whopping $1.65 million in scholarships and acceptance into 14 different institutions, he embarked on his college search. The warmth and charm of FAMU's campus drew him in.

This Saturday, Sheryl Lee Ralph will grace the commencement at Norfolk State University[5], while Purdue University snags an HBCU star in the transfer portal[4]. Meanwhile, a Morehouse College star has committed to Howard University after entering the transfer portal[4]. The Black College Football Hall of Fame has also revealed a significant update for 2025[6].

Curtis highlighted the support he's received from the university as a significant reason for his decision to attend FAMU. "The encouragement I get from the university is one of the main reasons I ended up here," he told the Tallahassee Democrat. "The level of camaraderie at FAMU and HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in general is unique. There's always someone I can turn to whenever I'm in trouble."

This support proved invaluable during his four-year struggle to balance academics and extracurriculars at FAMU. Now, he's poised to follow in his father's footsteps, becoming the latest member of his family to graduate from college. The enormity of this achievement seems yet to truly sink in, with Curtis admitting, "I don't think it's hit me yet, but it probably will as I cross the stage."

[1] WhyOneFlorida, "Florida A&M Class of 2025: Meet Curtis Lawrence III, youngest student in university history.", November 18, 2021. [Accessed April 26, 2023].[2] Capital City HBCU Connection, "Meet Curtis Lawrence III: HBCU Phenom and Future Bio-Scientist", December 15, 2021. [Accessed April 26, 2023].[3] Tallahassee-Democrat, "Meet Curtis Lawrence III, 16-year-old freshman at Florida A&M University", August 28, 2019. [Accessed April 26, 2023].[4] ESPN, "Top college sports headlines", various dates. [Accessed April 26, 2023].[5] Norfolk State University, "Commencement Speaker Announced: Sheryl Lee Ralph", March 28, 2023. [Accessed April 26, 2023].[6] Black College Football Hall of Fame, "2025 HBCU All-Star Classic Update", December 15, 2022. [Accessed April 26, 2023].

1. Despite his decision to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU), Curtis Lawrence III initially landed at George Washington University as a 14-year-old freshman.
2. In his interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, Lawrence mentioned the unique level of camaraderie at FAMU and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as a significant reason for his transfer to the university.
3. As Curtis Lawrence III prepares to graduate from FAMU, he will likely join his father in becoming the latest member of the family to land a college education and self-development.
4. Similar to Curtis Lawrence III, some HBCU stars are choosing to transfer, with a Morehouse College star committing to Howard University after entering the transfer portal, and Purdue University securing an HBCU star in the transfer portal.

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