Patterson HBCU Scholarship
Celebrating excellence amongst Carson Scholars
Patterson HBCU Scholarship
The Patterson HBCU Scholarship is a pilot program of the Carson Scholars Fund that supports Carson Scholar alumni attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Created in partnership with author and philanthropist James Patterson, this scholarship helps future leaders continue their educations at institutions with a rich legacy of excellence.
Initial Eligibility
- Carson Scholars graduating high school in 2027.
- Acceptance notification from an accredited HBCU.
- Attending an HBCU for the fall semester of freshman year of college.
- Enrollment in a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
- Demonstrate need for the scholarship without tuition, books or room/board being fully covered.
Eligibility for Renewal
- Recipient of the Patterson HBCU Scholarship.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA each academic year.
- Remain a full-time student (12 credits per semester).
- Continuing studies at an HBCU.
- Completion of a survey at the end of each academic year.
- Submission of a transcript at the end of each academic year.
Renewable for up to three consecutive academic years for a maximum value of $20,000
“Being selected as a Patterson HBCU Scholar is an honor that reflects a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. It has strengthened my focus, increased my motivation, and allowed me to maximize my college experience both academically and professionally.”
– David R.
2-time Carson Scholar
Important Deadlines
Early June – A payout request form is sent to all Patterson HBCU Scholars
July – Patterson HBCU Scholarship checks are mailed to HBCUs. A copy of the check is mailed to Patterson HBCU Scholars.
Patterson HBCU Scholarship application is sent to eligible Carson Scholars
Patterson HBCU Scholarship application deadline at 8:00 PM EST
Patterson HBCU Scholarship all applicants are notified via email
Get to know the HBCU Scholars
Trenyce Harvey
2026 Update: Tenyce Harvey is a Communications Media major at Alabama A&M University with a passion for journalism…
Isabella Ervin
2026 Update: My name is Isabella Ervin and I am a rising junior at the illustrious Tuskegee University.…
David Riley II
2026 Update: David Riley is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance at Morehouse College, where…
About James Patterson
James Patterson is a world-renowned author who has written countless fiction and nonfiction bestselling books. He was awarded the 2019 National Humanities Medal for his extraordinary imagination and championship of literacy in America. Patterson was presented the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community by the National Book Foundation and is the recipient of an Edgar Award and nine Emmy Awards.
Patterson is an active philanthropist and has donated more than one million books to students in under-resourced schools and youth programs across the country. He is passionate about higher education and has awarded over seven million dollars in scholarships to students in 24 different colleges. Patterson’s educational values align with the Carson Scholars Fund’s, and he has generously decided to fund our newest pilot program, the Patterson HBCU Scholarship for Carson Scholars.
