The esteemed pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson is known for his “gifted hands” and his conservative politics, but perhaps not everyone knows he is also a philanthropist who is driven by his own humble upbringing in Detroit Michigan, to motivate youth to rise above their own  disadvantaged circumstances and lead meaningful lives. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, fellow conservatives have a chance to help him do that.

The 2016 GOP presidential contender operates a national nonprofit organization called the  Carson Scholars Fund which “recognizes and rewards academic excellence in young students (4-11 grade) who also have strong humanitarian qualities.”

The Carson Scholars Program is more than a simple monetary scholarship program. It starts young, encouraging a college-going culture in homes and schools across the country. Scholars have an incentive to achieve academically year after year and are exposed to inspirational adult leaders. More importantly, Carson Scholars are role models in their schools and encourage their peers to succeed academically and contribute to their communities. Collectively, they are shaping a better future for themselves, their schools and the country.

For the past two years, the Carson Scholars Fund has participated in #GivingTuesday – “a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season.” Their goal is to raise $30,000 within the 24 hour period of #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. 

Thanks to a generous donation of Joyce and Aubrey Chernick, all #GivingTuesday donations will be matched.