Towson, MD- Southern Maryland students continue to shine as part of the largest class in the 30 year history of the Carson Scholars Fund. The organization announced 706 new scholars and 994 recognized scholars nationwide for 2026, with strong representation from Calvert County and across the state.
Within Calvert County, five students earned new $1,000 college scholarships this year while eight students renewed their status as multi time Carson Scholars. This brings meaningful local success to the program that began in 1996 with just 25 scholarships in Maryland and has since grown to recognize 4,365 scholars across the state.
The Carson Scholars Fund, founded in 1994 by Dr. Ben Carson and his wife Candy, honors students in grades four through 11 who maintain high academic standards and demonstrate commitment to humanitarian service. Selection criteria emphasize not only classroom excellence but also leadership and efforts to serve others. New scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship along with an Olympic sized medal and a trophy for their school. Previously awarded students who sustain these standards earn recognition as multi time Carson Scholars.
Maryland stands out in the 2026 cohort with 232 students receiving new scholarships and 348 renewing their scholar status. These young leaders are making tangible impacts in their communities through fundraising, nonprofit work focused on health outcomes, literacy and inclusivity, and innovation in areas such as apps, AI tools, medical devices and educational curriculums.
The announcement highlights the program’s evolution and growing reach. What started as a modest effort to combat the education crisis by rewarding promise and excellence has expanded into a nationwide initiative celebrating both academic achievement and character. Carson Scholars are noted for inspiring change and pursuing higher education while giving back.
Southern Maryland has a consistent record of producing Carson Scholars. Past recipients from Calvert County and neighboring areas have exemplified the program’s values through community projects and sustained academic performance. The 2026 group continues this tradition of local excellence in a year that sets a new benchmark for the organization.
The 2026 cohort will be celebrated at a series of six awards banquets across the country this spring. The 30th annual Maryland Carson Scholars Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026 at The Hall at LIVE in Hanover, Maryland. All Carson Scholars are invited to attend the Maryland event.
Families and educators in Calvert County and Southern Maryland are encouraged to review the full lists of new and recognized scholars available on the Carson Scholars Fund website. The program provides not only financial support but also recognition that motivates students to maintain high standards and continue their service oriented paths.
This year’s record numbers reflect increasing participation and the enduring appeal of the Carson Scholars model. Students selected embody a balance of intellectual rigor and compassion that Dr. Carson and his wife envisioned when establishing the fund. Their work in creating tools and programs to reach new audiences demonstrates the forward thinking encouraged by the scholarship.
For Southern Maryland communities, these achievements underscore the strength of local education systems and the potential of young residents. The five new Calvert County scholars and eight renewing recipients join a growing network of peers dedicated to academics and service. As they prepare for the May celebration, their stories serve as inspiration for other students considering applications in future cycles.
The Carson Scholars Fund continues to support Maryland students through additional initiatives, including recent matching grants aimed at expanding opportunities. With the 2026 class marking three decades of impact, the program remains a vital resource for recognizing and nurturing the next generation of leaders from Calvert County and beyond.
