Latest News and Updates

I’m Justin Blazenyak, one of the new interns at the Carson Scholars Fund. As a 4-time Carson Scholar, I’m honored to have the opportunity to learn from an organization that helps students pursue their academic dreams. Reading has always interested me. I love to get lost in the worlds authors create, discover new ideas from […]

Hi, my name is Leah Cirrincione and I am so excited to be an intern for the Carson Scholars Fund this summer. I was a 2023 Carson Scholar and a 2024 Recognized Scholar. Currently, I am a rising senior at the University of Maryland studying operations management and business analytics and I am also a […]

It wasn’t just another “Spirit Day” at James J Ryder Elementary School, so it was hard not to find anyone NOT wearing the traditional blue, along with the spirit color of red somewhere in their outfit!  Many had on their vibrant red Mustang shirts.  And the air was charged with enthusiasm even as the children […]

Bedford Elementary School in Pikesville: Builder Bees! Even the air was all a-buzz at Bedford Elementary in Pikesville, MD, led by mascot Buzzy Bee!  A new Ben Carson THINK BIG Reading Room is opening today! Several years back, when Bedford Elementary had only about 300 students, they added a cozy little reading room. But as the […]

The Carson Scholars Fund is excited to welcome two distinguished leaders, Andrew Pitcairn and Edward Hayes, to our Board of Directors. Their professional experience, commitment to strengthening future generations and passion will bring tremendous value to our mission. Edward “Teddy” Hayes is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management and brings extensive experience in […]

The Reading Road Trip Has Begun! This summer, the CSF community is taking on our second annual summer reading challenge with a road-trip twist! Your 2026 Reading Road Trip Map lists 12 reading categories, each one a different “stop” on your summer travels: a classic you’ve been meaning to read, a book set in another […]

Dear CSF Community, As we reflect on the 2026 scholarship season, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who took part in this momentous year.  The Carson Scholars Program would not be possible without the support of donors, educators, parents, volunteers and, most importantly, Carson Scholars – both new and longtime scholars. A record number of […]

To spark inspiration and a deeper connection across the Carson Scholar community, the CSF presented all scholars with the opportunity to showcase their research and/or service projects at their regional banquet this spring. 44 impressive scholars stepped into the spotlight, sharing the hard work they have put into passion projects ranging from building sensory-rich environments […]

Every Carson Scholar is reaching toward something: a career they’re curious about, a goal just out of reach, a decision they don’t know how to make. The CSF Mentorship Program pairs them with a mentor who listens, asks the right questions, and helps map the way forward. What this program looks like is different for […]

The CSF team embarked on its own trips throughout the country to celebrate the 2026 Carson Scholars across six regional banquets.  Scholars from 29 states traveled near or far to attend a banquet this spring where there was much to celebrate.  In addition to commemorating the Carson Scholars Fund’s 30th anniversary of awarding scholarships, the […]

Looking for ways to keep your students or children excited about reading this summer? Reading should be more than just another assignment; it should be an adventure that sparks imagination, curiosity, and joy. If you’re searching for the perfect way to keep young readers motivated, learning, and turning pages all summer long, look no further! […]

For the second year in a row, we were thrilled to partner with the San Diego Book Project to place books directly into the hands of San Diego students, inspiring them to keep reading throughout the summer. Thanks to the dedication, organization, and hard work of the San Diego Book Project, led by 7‑time Carson […]