HOME | CAN DO Community Foundation

The CAN DO Community Foundation is locally owned and sponsored. Originating in 1992 through the efforts of CAN DO, Inc. (the Community Area New Development Organization), the Foundation is a not-for-profit organization exempt for federal income tax under Section 501C(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is designated a public charity.

Through this authority, the Foundation supports worthwhile community projects that can make a difference and improve the Greater Hazleton community. The Foundation attracts and manages funds from a broad spectrum of donors with the desire to have their gift applied to conservation, preservation, and reclamation (CPR) with the ultimate goal of making a positive difference to the present and future well-being of the Hazleton area.

W. Kevin O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship 2026

The ‘W. Kevin O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund’ created in collaboration with CAN DO, Inc., the CAN DO Community Foundation, and The Luzerne Foundation, recently awarded two students with a scholarship to honor O’Donnell’s legacy and his years of commitment to community service.

The W. Kevin O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship provides post-secondary tuition assistance for qualifying students residing within the geographic area of the Hazleton Area School District. Qualifying applicants must be admitted to and/or attending an accredited college or university to study Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Economic Development, or a similar field. Scholarships are awarded based on community involvement and academic achievement.

The award recipients are Sharan Parikh, who recently graduated from MMI and will be furthering his studies in Economics and Andy Figueroa, who recently graduated from the Hazleton Area Career Center and will be furthering his studies in Construction.

Presented in the photo are: Charles Burkhardt, CAN DO Past Chair, Erin Rudalavage, daughter of W. Kevin O’Donnell, Andy Figueroa, award recipient, Sharan Parikh, award recipient, Courtney O’Donnell, daughter of W. Kevin O’Donnell, Earl Berger, CAN DO Community Foundation Vice President, Dave Pedri, Luzerne Foundation President.

To make a donation to the W. Kevin O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship, visit the Luzerne Foundation’s website at www.luzernefoundation.org