Nationwide — Curtis Lawrence III, an African American student who started college at 16 as Florida A&M University’s youngest student, is set to graduate at 20 with a biology degree and a minor in liberal arts. He chose FAMU over several Ivy League schools for its welcoming community.Lawrence, from Washington, D.C., made history in 2021 when he entered FAMU as the youngest student in his class at just 16 years old. He had already finished high school early and earned more than $1.6 million in scholarships, with offers from over a dozen universities — including Harvard and Yale.
Despite the elite options, he chose Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU in Tallahassee, Florida, for its welcoming culture.
“What really made me want to come to FAMU was that, during my visit, I really felt comfortable and at home,” Lawrence told FAMU News. “It was really important for me with being so young, going somewhere where I felt like I would fit in.”
The transition wasn’t easy. He started out shy and unsure, but the school’s close-knit community helped him adjust. Over time, he joined in campus traditions and connected with other students. From Greek life events to professional networking in suits, he embraced the full HBCU experience.
Now, as he prepares to attend Villanova University for further studies, Curtis aims to become a professor and inspire future students. He credits FAMU for pushing him beyond his comfort zone and shaping who he is today.
“FAMU really brought out the best in me. I’m leaving here as a much different person,” he said. “It pushed me past my comfort zone, and I gained so many new experiences. I’m glad I chose to come here; it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”