2023 Was One For The Books

In 2023, the Ben Carson Reading Project exceeded over $4 million in investments, dedicated to creating literacy-enriched environments for children to develop their reading skills. Last year alone, CSF opened 17 reading rooms, bringing the total Ben Carson/Think Big Reading Rooms to 280, serving students in 23 states and Washington, DC Additional highlights of the Ben Carson Reading Project include the 18th Annual National Day of Reading and welcoming Amani Green to the team.

The 2023 scholarship season honored 482 new and 823 recognized Carson Scholars. Aligned with the theme, ‘Better Together’, the CSF acknowledged scholars, along with their educators, families and mentors who have supported their success along the way, at six regional award banquets.

In fall of 2023, the CSF announced an exciting new opportunity for current Carson Scholars. Beginning May 2024, Carson Scholars have the chance to receive an additional $5,000 scholarship when attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This initiative, known as the Patterson HBCU Scholarship pilot program, is made possible through the tremendous generosity of bestselling author James Patterson.

Reflecting on 2023, the Carson Scholars Fund expresses gratitude and recognition to Amy Warner for her exceptional 19 years of leadership as executive director. Amy retired in 2023 and the CSF welcomed back Katie Coleman as the current executive director.