Carson Scholarship 2025/2026 – How to Apply, Requirements, Deadline & Benefits
The Carson Scholars Fund is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the United States. Established by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy Carson, the fund awards high-achieving students who also demonstrate strong commitment to community service.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Carson Scholarship 2025/2026—including who can apply, how to apply, the selection criteria, deadline, and the amazing benefits that come with it.
What is the Carson Scholarship?
The Carson Scholarship is a non-profit scholarship program created to recognize students who excel both academically and socially. The scholarship awards $1,000 to selected students to be used toward future college tuition and includes recognition at a regional awards banquet.
But it’s more than just money. Recipients are also honored with a medal, a certificate, and recognition on the Carson Scholars Honor Roll.
Eligibility Requirements for the Carson Scholarship
To qualify for the 2025/2026 Carson Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
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Academic Excellence
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Must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.
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Must provide a transcript showing consistent performance.
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Community Service
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Applicants must have significant involvement in community service.
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Activities should be meaningful, volunteer-based, and demonstrate leadership or initiative.
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Grade Level
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Open to students in grades 4–11 in the United States.
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U.S. Residency
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Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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School Nomination
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Students must be nominated by an official from their school. A school can nominate only one student per year.
The nomination window for the 2025 Carson Scholarship season starts on October 21st and ends on December 18th. Schools will receive a link to nominate a student by email.
If you're a teacher or school staff and haven’t received the nomination link after October 21st, please contact scholarship@carsonscholars.org for assistance.
How to Apply for the Carson Scholarship 2025/2026
Applying for the Carson Scholarship involves several steps. Below is a clear breakdown:
Step 1: School Nomination
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Talk to your principal, counselor, or teacher about being nominated.
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Each school may nominate only one student per academic year.
Step 2: Create an Account
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Once nominated, the student receives an email with access to the Carson Scholarship application portal. Or you can also click here to check application requests
Step 3: Submit Application Online
You will need to upload the following:
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Personal information and essay
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Official transcript
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List of community service activities
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Teacher recommendation letter
Step 4: Wait for Review
The Carson Scholars Fund will evaluate all applications and notify winners by March or April 2026.
Click Here To apply from Official Website
Carson Scholarship Timeline
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Nominations Open | September 2025 |
| Nominations Close | October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | Early January 2026 |
| Winner Announcement | March/April 2026 |
| Awards Banquets | Spring 2026 |
What Do Winners Receive?
Winners of the Carson Scholarship receive:
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A $1,000 college scholarship (not cash; used for tuition)
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A gold medal and certificate
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Recognition at a regional awards ceremony
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Lifetime membership in the Carson Scholars Network
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Listing in the Hall of Fame and Carson Scholars Honor Roll
Can You Win More Than Once?
Yes! Previous winners can renew the scholarship by reapplying in following years. Recipients who continue to excel can be designated as "Recognized Scholars" in future years, which adds more prestige to their academic profile.
Tips to Improve Your Application
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Start Early
Begin asking your school counselor about nominations as early as September. -
Highlight Meaningful Service
Explain how your volunteer work made a real impact in your community. -
Write a Strong Essay
Be genuine, clear, and personal in your essay. Focus on values and leadership. -
Maintain High Grades
Keep a GPA above 3.75 to meet academic requirements. -
Get a Great Recommendation
Ask a teacher who knows your strengths to write a strong and detailed letter.
Who Administers the Carson Scholars Fund?
The Carson Scholars Fund is based in Maryland and has been awarding scholarships since 1996. Its mission is to combat what Dr. Carson calls the "education crisis" in America by investing in future leaders early.
Since its inception, the fund has awarded more than 10,000 scholarships in all 50 states.
See also:
FAQs About the Carson Scholarship
Is financial need required?
No. The Carson Scholarship is not based on financial need. It is awarded purely based on academic merit and community service.
Can homeschoolers apply?
Yes, if they are nominated by an accredited homeschool group or administrator.
Does the scholarship go directly to the student?
No. The $1,000 award is held in a trust and paid directly to the college once the student enrolls.
Concultions
The Carson Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for middle and high school students who are academically strong and socially conscious. If you meet the requirements and can secure a school nomination, this scholarship could be a huge stepping stone in your education journey.
So, if you're aiming for college success in 2025 or 2026, talk to your counselor today and begin your Carson Scholarship journey early.
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