15-year-old becomes one of the youngest to ever attend Clark Atlanta University

ATLANTA — At just 15 years old, a Tennessee teen just became one of the youngest students ever to start classes at Clark Atlanta University.

Emory Pruitt, who has since turned 16, joined the class of 2020 this fall as one of the youngest students ever at the historically black college in Atlanta. Officials said she is also the youngest student in recent memory.

CAU officials said in a statement that Pruitt graduated with a 3.7 GPA but that her path to college wasn’t easy.

“At her hometown high school, she was mocked for being a young Black woman who dared to dream big,” a CAU spokesperson wrote. “But the racism and adversity, along with strong family support, only strengthened Pruitt’s resolve.”

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Even more special for Emory Pruitt? Her brother, Elijah, was also accepted to Clark Atlanta this year.

The siblings were raised by a single mother. Karen Pruitt said her daughter was thrilled to be accepted to CAU.

“Words would not be able to describe how thrilled and excited she was to have come across a dream come true,” Karen Pruitt said.

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