In a method of making a high surface area carbon material, a precursor organic material is prepared. The precursor organic material is subjected to a first elevated temperature while applying a gaseous purge thereto for a first predetermined time. The precursor organic material is subjected to a second elevated temperature while not applying the gaseous purge thereto for a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time. A high surface area carbon material includes carbon and has a surface area in a range between 3029 m2/g to 3565 m2/g and a pore volume in a range between 1.66 cm3/g and 1.90 cm3/g. The high surface area carbon material may be employed in an electrode for a supercapacitor.