Our Impact

Our Journey

From 25 Scholars to a National Movement. A quick look at how the Carson Scholars Fund has grown since 1994.

12,900

+

Scholarships Awarded

1996

First Scholarships

Awarded to the inaugural group of 25 Carson Scholars in Maryland

1998

Abell Foundation Sponsorship

The Abell Foundation committed to sponsoring Carson Scholarships in Baltimore City Schools for 10 years.

2000

First Reading Room

Opened at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School in Maryland, marking the launch of the Ben Carson Reading Project

2005

Philanthropic Leadership Award

William E. Simon Award for Philanthropic Leadership Awarded to Dr. Ben Carson

2010

Longitudinal Research Study

W.K. Kellogg Foundation awards CSF funding for a 10-year longitudinal research study

2014

Palm Beach County Chapter

Launched with opening of the county’s first reading room at Allamanda Elementary School

2017

Eleni & Wolfgang Gagon Legacy Gift

Bequeathed to the CSF to support its educational programs – marking the largest gift in the CSF’s history.

2019

200th Reading Room

Opened at Twin Oaks Elementary School in San Marcos, CA

2021

10,000th Carson Scholarship

Awarded, marking a milestone for the program

2024

Patterson HBCU Scholarship

Together with author James Patterson, CSF launched the Patterson HBCU Scholarship for Carson Scholars

2025

300th Reading Room

Opened at John H. Bayne Elementary School as the Ben Carson Reading Project celebrated its 25^th anniversary

2026

Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation Supports Maryland Scholarships

CSF received a $250,000 matching grant to expand scholarship opportunities for promising Maryland students

1996

First Scholarships

Awarded to the inaugural group of 25 Carson Scholars in Maryland

1998

Abell Foundation Sponsorship

The Abell Foundation committed to sponsoring Carson Scholarships in Baltimore City Schools for 10 years.

2000

First Reading Room

Opened at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School in Maryland, marking the launch of the Ben Carson Reading Project

2005

Philanthropic Leadership Award

William E. Simon Award for Philanthropic Leadership Awarded to Dr. Ben Carson

2010

Longitudinal Research Study

W.K. Kellogg Foundation awards CSF funding for a 10-year longitudinal research study

2014

Palm Beach County Chapter

Launched with opening of the county’s first reading room at Allamanda Elementary School

2017

Eleni & Wolfgang Gagon Legacy Gift

Bequeathed to the CSF to support its educational programs – marking the largest gift in the CSF’s history.

2019

200th Reading Room

Opened at Twin Oaks Elementary School in San Marcos, CA

2021

10,000th Carson Scholarship

Awarded, marking a milestone for the program

2024

Patterson HBCU Scholarship

Together with author James Patterson, CSF launched the Patterson HBCU Scholarship for Carson Scholars

2025

300th Reading Room

Opened at John H. Bayne Elementary School as the Ben Carson Reading Project celebrated its 25^th anniversary

2026

Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation Supports Maryland Scholarships

CSF received a $250,000 matching grant to expand scholarship opportunities for promising Maryland students

Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders and Lifelong Readers

The Carson Scholars Fund advances two signature initiatives: the Carson Scholars Program and the Ben Carson Reading Project.

The Carson Scholars Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to serving their communities by awarding $1,000 college scholarships.

The Ben Carson Reading Project partners with schools to create and sustain Ben Carson Reading Rooms—welcoming, literacy-rich spaces where children can develop a lifelong love of independent reading and discover the joy of books.

The Carson Scholars Program has reached major milestones over three decades.

Learn More About this Program

12194

Students

Honored through the Carson Scholars Program since 1996, representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

4283

Schools

Across the country have had at least one Carson Scholar since 1996

706

2026 New Scholars

Awarded a Carson Scholarship for academic excellence and service

994

2026 Recognized Scholars

Students honored through the Recognition Program for continuing to exemplify scholarship and service

169

Schools

Welcomed their first Carson Scholar in 2026

10171

Alumni

Carson Scholars who have graduated from high school and joined the alumni community

50

States

From coast to coast, Carson Scholars are represented in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

12194

Students

Honored through the Carson Scholars Program since 1996, representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

4283

Schools

Across the country have had at least one Carson Scholar since 1996

706

2026 New Scholars

Awarded a Carson Scholarship for academic excellence and service

994

2026 Recognized Scholars

Students honored through the Recognition Program for continuing to exemplify scholarship and service

169

Schools

Welcomed their first Carson Scholar in 2026

10171

Alumni

Carson Scholars who have graduated from high school and joined the alumni community

50

States

From coast to coast, Carson Scholars are represented in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Alumni in Action

Carson Scholar alumni go on to attend hundreds of colleges and universities and pursue careers in every field imaginable.

The Carson Scholars Fund has an alumni network of over 10,100 rising leaders in their professions and communities.

950

+

Colleges attended by scholarship winners

5270

+

Carson Scholars recognized multiple times

The Ben Carson Reading Project has reached major milestones over the last 25 years.

Learn More About this Program

315

Reading Rooms

Expanding literacy-rich learning environments that help students build confidence and a lifelong love of books

157000

Books Purchased

High-interest titles that students are excited to choose, empowering them to discover the joy of reading

4.5

Million Dollars Invested

Fueling programs and resources that expand access to literacy and learning opportunities

3

Million+ Minutes

Logged reading in Reading Rooms during the 2025–2026 school year

25

States

With Ben Carson/Think Big Reading Rooms for students to build confidence and grow their love of books

315

Reading Rooms

Expanding literacy-rich learning environments that help students build confidence and a lifelong love of books

157000

Books Purchased

High-interest titles that students are excited to choose, empowering them to discover the joy of reading

4.5

Million Dollars Invested

Fueling programs and resources that expand access to literacy and learning opportunities

3

Million+ Minutes

Logged reading in Reading Rooms during the 2025–2026 school year

25

States

With Ben Carson/Think Big Reading Rooms for students to build confidence and grow their love of books

Find an Event near you!

10th Annual Pittsburgh Golf Tournament

September 27, 2026

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5th Annual Maryland Charity Golf Outing

October 5, 2026

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Frisco Texas Charity Golf Tournament

December 14, 2026

View Details

Community Voices

Personal reflections from the Carson Scholars Fund community.

“Beyond the financial assistance, your support represented something even more important — your belief in me and in my potential to succeed. Knowing that members of my community were investing in my future gave me confidence and motivation throughout my college experience.”

Noah Milad

Carson Scholar

“Our latest ELA assessment data reflects a significant upward trend in proficiency across all elementary grade levels. We attribute a portion of this success to the increased reading volume and stamina cultivated within the Reading Room.”

Clifford O. Taylor/Kirkland Elementary School

Educator

“Thank you so much for your investment in our futures, inspiring us to take on global challenges and contribute to society in the best of our abilities. I couldn’t be more grateful for the doors opened because of you.”

Tarin Ladhawala

Carson Scholar

Transparent Impact & Reports

Independent evaluations, annual reports, and financials demonstrate our commitment to responsible impact.

Impact Reports

Learn about the impact of the Carson Scholars Fund’s programs in our latest impact report.

View Reports

Research & Evaluation

Independent evaluation of the Carson Scholars Program (2016 report)

Research Report

Financials Ratings

990 and audited financial statements available upon request.

Request Financials

Get Involved

Find a Chapter

Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly toward benefiting students.

From 25 Scholars to a National Movement. A quick look at how the Carson Scholars Fund has grown since 1994.

Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders and Lifelong Readers

The Carson Scholars Program has reached major milestones over three decades.

Carson Scholar alumni go on to attend hundreds of colleges and universities and pursue careers in every field imaginable.

The Carson Scholars Fund has an alumni network of over 10,100 rising leaders in their professions and communities.

The Ben Carson Reading Project has reached major milestones over the last 25 years.

Find an Event near you!

10th Annual Pittsburgh Golf Tournament

5th Annual Maryland Charity Golf Outing

Frisco Texas Charity Golf Tournament

Personal reflections from the Carson Scholars Fund community.

Independent evaluations, annual reports, and financials demonstrate our commitment to responsible impact.

Impact Reports

Research & Evaluation

Financials Ratings

Find a Chapter

Chattanooga Chapter

Lee County Chapter

Maryland Chapter

Palm Beach Chapter

Pittsburgh Chapter

West Coast Chapter