Category: Reading Rooms

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 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 […]

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 […]

On April 24, Rex Mill Middle School and Carson Scholars Fund celebrated the opening of a new Think Big Reading Room, marking the creation of an inviting new space specially designed to inspire students to further their love of reading. Located in Rex, Georgia, the reading room was the 312th reading room designed and built […]

The Carson Scholars Fund is proud to celebrate the official opening of two new Ben Carson Reading Rooms at Big Spring Intermediate and Moss Elementary School in Big Spring, Texas. The celebrations, held on Wednesday, May 13, marked another exciting milestone in expanding literacy opportunities for students in West Texas. Big Spring Intermediate welcomed students […]

Amelia Major recently joined the Carson Scholars Fund as a reading room coordinator, where she works with the reading room director to cultivate relationships with schools and donors with the purpose of creating reading rooms devoted to fostering children’s love of reading. She brings a passion for youth development, education and empowering youth to reach […]

The 310th Ben Carson THINK BIG Reading Room in the country has been established at The Loyola School in Baltimore’s Mt. Vernon neighborhood!  This is the first reading room to be installed in this historic area where another impressive first occurred:  the first monument to honor our country’s first president, George Washington was built in this […]

This year, the Carson Scholars Fund (CSF) is celebrating an exciting anniversary! 2026 marks 30 years of awarding scholarships. In honor of this incredible milestone, we are reconnecting with our alumni to honor and celebrate their accomplishments. Our project 30 Years, 30 Scholars features one scholar from each year since the first scholarships were awarded […]

For our 20th Annual National Day of Reading, we wanted to feature a book that embodies the spirit of CSF. This year’s featured title, The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, aligns perfectly with our mission to help every child recognize their potential. Its message, that challenges aren’t the end, encourages students to keep trying, keep […]

Evan Harasty recently joined the Carson Scholars Fund as an Operations & Finance Assistant, where he works closely with the Executive Director to support organizational operations, financial processes, and day to day projects that help advance the mission of CSF. With a strong interest in data, analysis, and operational efficiency, he is enthusiastic about contributing […]