The Patterson HBCU Scholarship started in 2024 as a collaboration between world-renowned author James Patterson and the Carson Scholars Fund (CSF). Through Mr. Patterson’s generosity and shared educational values, the CSF was able to create a new unique opportunity for Carson Scholars attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). In the inaugural year, nine Carson Scholar seniors were awarded a Patterson HBCU scholarship, earning $5,000 to help fund their continuing educations at an HBCU. This year, the CSF is proud to award ten new graduating Carson Scholars with a 2025 Patterson HBCU Scholarship, honoring their esteemed leadership in their communities and their commitment to education. In addition to the new winners this year, all nine inaugural winners have flourished in their first year of college and have been awarded the renewable scholarship for another year. Mr. Patterson and the CSF are proud to invest in the future of these bright, motivated scholars as their positive impact on their field and their community grows broader and deeper through college and beyond.

Learn more about the outstanding Patterson HBCU scholars here.