Think Big-The Ben Carson Reading Project

The Ben Carson Reading Project is a program of the Carson Scholars Fund, a non-profit public charity that was founded by world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin S. Carson and his wife, Candy to create a space in school where students can read in an inviting, quiet and secure feeling atmosphere. The Ben Carson Reading Project is also responsible for bringing students, faculty, their families and community together to raise the awareness of the importance of reading. Pleasant Run Elementary School is the proud recipient of this generous scholarship that provided $15,000 to create a unique reading area, the Think Big Diner and purchase 550 new books for their students! The school is one of only 52 schools in the nation to receive this gift! The Reading Room Program encourages independent extracurricular reading outside of the regular reading class. Children are encouraged to read and earn rewards for achieving improvements in reading levels and the number of books read. I love to read anywhere, but the new Think Big Diner is an awesome place to read, Taylor Pollard second grade student. The diner theme seemed like something fun to work with. We already had the diner booth, a kind donation to our school, and my husband Ron was instrumental in carrying out the plans for the space. Hes quite handy with a tool or two and hes good at following directions! said Gulya Lucas media assistant. It wouldnt have happened with out him! Mr. Anderson, our principal put on his tool belt as well, and the new beautiful books just finished it off perfectly! Dr. Carsons generous gift will be enjoyed for many years to come!

The first Ben Carson Reading Room was established in Halls Cross Roads Elementary School in 2000 in Aberdeen, Maryland. Since then there have been 44 reading rooms established. Reading rooms can be found throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County. St. Louis, Missouri boasts 9 Reading Room locations. Because of this generous contribution, we were able to create a unique environment for the kids to relax and enjoy a good book. What an amazing gift to help foster literacy and a love of reading, said Patrick Anderson principal.

Diane Buchanan Communications Coordinator Pleasant Run Elementary