The Patterson HBCU Scholarship began in 2024 as a collaborative effort between world-renowned author James Patterson and the Carson Scholars Fund (CSF). Through Mr. Patterson’s generosity and shared commitment to education, together he and the CSF created a unique opportunity for Carson Scholars attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), in which $5,000 renewable scholarship is awarded to help fund their continuing education. This year, CSF is proud to award five new graduating Carson Scholars with a 2026 Patterson HBCU Scholarship. This scholarship honors their humanitarian efforts, involvement in their communities, and their dedication to education.

In addition to the new winners, eighteen returning scholars have continued to flourish at their colleges and universities and have been awarded the renewable scholarship for another year. Mr. Patterson and the CSF are proud to invest in the futures of these bright, motivated scholars as their positive impact expands through college and beyond.

Learn more about our outstanding Patterson HBCU scholars here.

 

Jordyn Harvey
Jordyn is a graduate of New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Georgia. She approaches her education with a focus on growth and commitment to giving back, driven by the goal of building a career that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others and in her community. She intends to use her degree to build a career that makes a meaningful difference in the world of regenerative medicine. In the fall, Jordyn will attend Florida A&M University where she will study Biology and Pre-Med.

Addison Hill
A graduate of Oakwood School in North Hollywood, California, Addison served as a student panelist for his school’s admissions events, sharing authentic perspectives with prospective students and families from underrepresented backgrounds. He discovered a passion for scientific research in a 9th-grade biology class and now aspires to earn a Ph.D. and advance regenerative medicine. His work and passion for regenerative medicine is inspired by his grandmother’s battle with congenital heart disease. In the fall, Addison will attend Howard University.

Kamari Mayes
Kamari is a graduate of DC International School in Washington, D.C. Driven by a goal of eliminating economic injustice, she plans to study economics and use her degree to help shrink racial wealth gaps at home and build greater economic equality around the world. Having earned a full-ride scholarship, she hopes to pursue study-abroad opportunities to learn how economies shape people’s lives firsthand. In the fall, Kamari will attend Hampton University.

Aaliyah Underwood
A graduate of North Point High School in Waldorf, Maryland, Aaliyah has dedicated herself to service. She has distributed hygiene products to over 100 families, lead youth activities during Juneteenth celebrations, and contributed to fundraising efforts that raised more than $8,000 for programs supporting young women. Her work has been recognized with citations from Representative Steny Hoyer, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Delegate Edith Patterson. An artist at heart, she sees creativity as a responsibility and a voice for the unheard. In the fall, Aaliyah will attend Spelman College.

Nya Whitney
Nya is a graduate of Maurice J. McDonough High School in Pomfret, Maryland. Aspiring to become a physician specializing in neurology or pediatrics, she will major in Psychology on a pre-med track and hopes to take part in undergraduate research and study abroad. Her awe of medicine deepened after witnessing her father’s recovery from a serious 2024 injury. In the fall, Nya will attend Howard University to major in Psychology.