Smith Founded Global Service Movement While a Student at AAMU

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will recognize Alabama A&M University alumnus Rodney Smith Jr., founder of the internationally known Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, during her final State of the State Address Jan. 13 at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery.

Smith, a Huntsville, Alabama-based entrepreneur and community servant, will be honored for creating a service movement that began while he was a student on The Hill and has since grown into an international initiative engaging young people across the world.

Smith started Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service while an undergraduate student at Alabama A&M University after helping an elderly gentleman who was struggling to cut his lawn. At the time, Smith was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in computer science. That single act of kindness became the foundation for a mission rooted in service, leadership and accountability. He later earned his master’s degree in social work from Alabama A&M University.

Shortly after launching the organization in 2016, Smith introduced the 50 Yard Challenge to give young people a tangible goal while encouraging responsibility and community service.

“The 50 Yard Challenge began shortly after the organization started in 2016, as a way to give kids a clear goal while teaching responsibility, service and leadership through helping others,” Smith said.

Through the challenge, students commit to cutting 50 lawns at no cost for elderly residents, people with disabilities, single parents and veterans. Participants document their work and share their progress, helping the initiative spread rapidly across the country and beyond.

Since its launch in Alabama, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service has expanded to all 50 states and beyond, with students participating from as far away as Sweden, South Africa, Australia and Canada. Smith estimates the organization has helped tens of thousands of families through free lawn care, snow removal, leaf cleanups and other acts of service. Smith himself has cut lawns in all 50 states — twice — to promote the mission and inspire youth involvement.

“In over eight countries, we have thousands of kids signing up to make a difference in their community by completing our 50 Yard Challenge,” said Smith. “From our humble beginnings in Huntsville, Alabama, our organization has experienced tremendous growth in just a few short years. Our steadfast goal has always remained the same: making a difference, one lawn at a time.”

As the movement grew, Smith developed a system to recognize student commitment and reinforce consistency. Participants earn different colored T-shirts based on the number of lawns they complete. Students who finish the full 50 Yard Challenge receive a black T-shirt and a personal visit from Smith, who often provides new lawn equipment, including mowers, weed eaters and blowers, to help them continue serving their communities.

Smith’s work has also drawn national media attention, with major outlets featuring his story and the organization’s impact. Along the way, the movement has received recognition beyond Alabama, including proclamations in other states honoring Smith’s service and leadership.

Ivey said Smith will be recognized for his patriotism and commitment to service as Alabama prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The governor’s office cited the organization’s positive influence on youth engagement, community service and support for veterans and families in need.

The recognition comes as Smith continues to expand youth programs, school visits and educational initiatives nationwide while remaining based in Huntsville, where the organization continues to grow.

“Honestly, it still feels surreal,” said Smith. “I’m grateful. I never set out for recognition — I simply wanted to help people. Seeing how far this has grown reminds me to stay humble and continue serving.”

For Smith, the moment is especially meaningful because it acknowledges a journey that began during his time at Alabama A&M.

“To be acknowledged by the governor, in the state where this journey began while I was a student at Alabama A&M, is incredibly humbling and emotional,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful to Alabama A&M University for the foundation it gave me — academically and personally. I hope my story encourages students to believe that no act of kindness is too small and that service can truly change lives.”