The Carson Scholars Fund, Inc. was founded in 1994 to address the education crisis in the United States. When world-renowned Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson, M.D. and his wife, Candy, read a research study about education in the United States, they were alarmed by the findings. The study showed that our nation's students ranked #21 out of 22 countries; next to the bottom of the list in science and math. The Carsons felt compelled to take action.Carson Scholarships are awarded to students in grades 4-11 who exemplify academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. Winners receive a $1,000 scholarship to go toward their college education, along with a recognition package, and an invitation to attend an awards banquet.The Ben Carson Reading Project provides funding to schools to build and maintain Ben Carson Reading Rooms – warm, inviting libraries where kids can escape into the world of books.The Carson Scholars Fund believes that if children can be taught early to excel, they will stay motivated and have a higher chance of educational success later in life.