Carson Scholars Fund Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Carson Scholars Fund
About This Scholarship
The Carson Scholars Fund, founded by pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson and his wife Candy, awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4 through 11 who combine top academics with genuine commitment to community service. Since 1996 the fund has honored more than 12,900 scholars across all 50 states, and 706 new scholars were named in 2026 alone.
What makes this award distinctive is how early students can earn it. The money is invested on the scholar's behalf and grows with interest until high school graduation, when it pays out directly to the student's college for tuition, books, or room and board. Students who win young can also reapply for recognition each year, and multi-time Carson Scholars are common.
The catch is that students cannot apply on their own: each school nominates one student per year (one per grade category at schools spanning multiple levels), so the first step is talking to a teacher, counselor, or principal. Nominated students then submit an application with an essay, a teacher recommendation, and a current report card.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in grades 4-11 at an accredited U.S. school
- GPA of 3.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for the current school year
- Active participation in community service activities
- Must be nominated by an educator at your school (one nominee per school per year)
- Cannot already be a Carson Scholarship recipient (past winners apply through the no-award Recognition Program instead)
How To Apply
- Ask a teacher, counselor, or principal to nominate you; an educator must submit the nomination form after nominations open October 19, 2026
- Educator submits the nomination form by the December 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST nomination deadline
- Nominated students complete the full application, including an essay from the 2027 prompt list for their grade band
- Submit the application, report card, and teacher recommendation letter(s) by January 13, 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST; winners are announced in the first week of March 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Carson Scholarship myself?
No. Only educators can nominate students, and each school selects one nominee per year. Express interest to a teacher, counselor, or principal early in the fall so your school submits its nomination before the December 16 deadline.
When do I actually get the $1,000?
The award is invested on your behalf and earns interest until you graduate from high school, at which point it is paid directly to your accredited U.S. college or university for tuition, books, or room and board.
What grades can win this scholarship?
Students in grades 4 through 11 are eligible, making this one of the few national scholarships elementary and middle school students can earn. High school seniors are not eligible.