During the 70th Annual Special Needs Fishing Derby, the Germantown Grove Club and the Carbon County Community Foundation proudly announced the establishment of the Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship Fund. This new fund will award a $500 scholarship annually to a Carbon County student pursuing a degree in special education or rehab therapies.
The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Philip Rodgers, a lifelong Jim Thorpe resident and decorated U.S. Army veteran, whose passion for community service, inclusivity, and outdoor recreation shaped countless lives across the region. In 1955, Phil founded the Special Needs Fishing Derby, which has since become a cherished annual tradition. The scholarship will recognize students who exemplify the values Phil held dear: service to others, compassion, and a commitment to improving the lives of individuals with special needs.
Philip Rodgers
The annual Special Needs Fishing Derby at Germantown Grove Club
“Announcing this scholarship at the event Phil created 70 years ago feels deeply meaningful,” said Kim Sargent, representative of the Germantown Grove Club. “Phil was a true example of what it means to give back. This scholarship is a way for us to honor his life and extend his vision—supporting young people who are passionate about special education and making their own impact.”
“We’re honored to partner with the Germantown Grove Club to help carry on Phil Rodgers’ legacy through this scholarship,” said Sharon Alexander, President of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “It’s clear he left a lasting mark on this community and we’re proud to help his friends and family celebrate that legacy by supporting the next generation of students committed to making a difference.”
Applications for the Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship are now open to Carbon County high school seniors graduating this spring who plan to study special education. The application deadline is May 25, 2025. Full eligibility guidelines and application details are available on our website.
Donations to the Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible and will help sustain the scholarship for years to come. Donations can be made online or by mail with a check made out to ‘Carbon County Community Foundation’ with ‘Phil Rodgers’ on the memo line.
Born on January 13, 1924, and passing on August 13, 2006, Philip Rodgers served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. Upon returning to Jim Thorpe, he immersed himself in community life—volunteering with the Red Cross, serving as an EMT with Fairview Ambulance, and participating actively in organizations such as St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and American Legion Post 304. He helped shape public spaces through his work on the Jim Thorpe Memorial Park Commission and in 2003, founded the Germantown Grove Club.
A devoted husband and father, Philip and his wife Kathryn raised ten children—five boys and five girls—instilling in them the same values of service, compassion, and community engagement that defined his life.
CCCF President, Sharon Alexander, with Phil Rodgers’ family.
L-R: Jim Rodgers, Barb Rodgers, Fr. Philip Rodgers, Mary Marzen, Sharon Alexander, Patrick Rodgers
About Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Funds are generally the most popular type held at a Community Foundation. These funds support the pursuits of students at different levels of education, and can be established to promote a certain career or industry, acknowledging a special school or community, or honor the memory of loved ones.
Setting up a fund is easy and takes less time than opening a bank account. Donors make a contribution of personal assets (cash, stock, real estate and more) to establish the fund and receive an immediate tax deduction. Once you name your fund and define the guidelines for scholarship recipients, we will administer the scholarship applications each year and will work with you and a committee to pick the recipients.
If you are interested in learning more about setting up a scholarship or other type of fund at Carbon County Community Foundation, please contact us at 610-730-2526 or director@cccfoundpa.org.