Carson Scholars Fund Scholarship

Awards $1,000 college scholarships (invested and growing with interest until high school graduation) to students in grades 4-11 who maintain at least a 3.75 GPA and are actively engaged in community service. Students cannot self-apply; they must be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or principal, then submit an essay, a teacher recommendation, and a current report card. The program named 706 new Carson Scholars in the 2026 cycle and has awarded more than 12,900 scholarships since 1996.

Eligibility

DemographicsAlso open to students in grades 4-8 (elementary/middle school), not just high school. Requires nomination by a teacher/school; a student cannot request the application directly. Not eligible if already a past recipient. A separate, non-monetary Recognition Program lets past Carson Scholars re-affirm eligibility annually through senior year (requires 3.75+ GPA and at least 3 hours of service).

Applying

$1,000 is invested on the student's behalf and grows with interest until high school graduation, when it is paid out to the recipient's college. One-time award per student.