Every year the Flip Flops Foundation delivers educational scholarships to individuals, and community non-profit grants to support some of Carlisle and the region’s youth, health, human services and arts organizations. We’re just looking to make an impact, but who knows, maybe we’ll change a life!
Student Scholars
in award commitments to date!
Community Organizations
in grants delivered to date!
Carlisle High School onward to West Chester University
“I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of this generous scholarship which will help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to further pursue my education.
This generous award will motivate me to continue striving for academic excellence and make the most of this opportunity.
Thank you for believing in me!”
Carlisle High School onward to George Washington University
“I greatly appreciate being awarded this scholarship to help fund my education, but more importantly, I feel honored to be one of this year’s recipients due to the foundation’s local and personal history being based around keeping close relationships with one another–especially with the memories of Todd only strengthening those bonds.
With this scholarship, I aspire to facilitate an impactful mark at my future university and create similar bonds with my colleagues under the knowledge of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering to someday work for a space agency.”
Carlisle High School onward to University of Vermont
“I am honored to receive this scholarship, and deeply appreciate the generosity of the Flip Flops Foundation. This award will support my goal of earning a degree in both Psychology and German Language and Culture, and my long-term plan of becoming a clinical psychologist.
I intend to utilize this support to help better myself and my community moving forward. By allowing me to focus on my studies, this scholarship will provide me with the backing I need to thrive in college and beyond.”
Carlisle High School onward to Harrisburg Community College
This award is granted to a graduating senior from the Carlisle High School (CTE) Careers and Technology Education program. Established in 2021 by Dr. Frank and Mrs. Judy Castrina, the FFF is now administering the annual CTE award via an endowment created by the Castrinas in honor of their fathers (Frank P. Castrina Sr. and John Deegan) who both had to discontinue their educations before finishing high school to work to support their families.
CHS Career and Technical Education students train in state of the art facilities, learning and applying the industry standard for their profession through laboratory, and live work experiences in the following fields:
Carlisle High School…on the way to University of Pittsburgh
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of the Flip Flops Scholarship, established in honor of Todd Copenhaver. This represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes a belief in my potential and a commitment to supporting my journey towards achieving my goals. With this generous scholarship, I am one step closer to realizing my dream of obtaining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.
I am profoundly inspired by the spirit of generosity embodied by this scholarship, and I am committed to honoring Todd’s legacy by striving for excellence in my academic pursuits and beyond. I am eager to seize this opportunity to make a positive impact in my field and to contribute meaningfully to my community.”
Carlisle High School…on the way to Wheaton College
“Receiving this scholarship award means so much to me, as it will help me gain an education where I will be challenged to grow academically and as a person. I am excited for the opportunities this will provide to grow in leadership skills and invest in the community around me.”
Trinity High School…on the way to Northeastern University
“I am honored to be awarded this scholarship as Todd’s story truly changed my perspective on the importance and impact of a strong, loving community. I will use this scholarship to support my education while creating a positive impact and cultivating meaningful relationships with those around me.”
Carlisle High School…on the way to Dickinson College
“Todd’s story touched me in the way that a supportive community kept his memory alive and proved that loving friendships can transcend any boundary, creating a positive impact in the lives of others. I hope to use the Flip Flops Foundation scholarship to support my education and create positive change in my own community and within everyone I meet as I cultivate loving friendships along the way.”
Carlisle High School…on the way to University of Pittsburgh
“This scholarship means I can continue my education next year at The University of Pittsburgh, with the main focus being on my education. It also will alleviate some of the financial stress associated with a college education.”
Trinity High School on the way to Rice University
“I desire to attend music school because I believe that the immersion and intensity will help me grow as an artist. I’ve had to balance a rigorous schedule of musical, academic, and athletic activities in high school, but music has been the most important. It is the way that I communicate the deepest parts of who I am and what I believe. It is home.”
The recipients of our community grants expand our impact to uplift the Carlisle community by delivering a range of services covering youth programming, arts and music education, personal development, trade training and food security.
Mission: To change lives and strengthen communities through the power of art. CALC offers arts education programs, serving locals by exhibiting works of art, eliminating barriers and bringing community together.
Our Funding Supported: ArtWORKS! after-school program, art classes, camps & lectures, Art on the Farm, Empty Bowls (a fundraiser for Project SHARE) and more.
Mission: To lend all possible support ― moral and financial ― to the instrumental music program. They collaborate with the Director, School Board and Administration to promote the Bandʼs advancement.
Our Funding Supported: Uniform purchases for band members in need, newly designed jackets, and to boost a rebuilding plan led by a new and enthusiastic Director.
Mission: To impact lives of minority and underrepresented middle/high school students by challenging them to prepare for their future through education and character development.
Our Funding Supported: A Journaling and Portfolio project focused on 2023-24 goal-setting and self care, as well as a Zoo America & Hershey Park field trip.
Mission: To create and support 1:1 mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, serving 1000+ youth across 5 counties. Mentorshipʼs power lies in moments that inspire potential to change a childʼs life.
Our Funding Supported: Community-based meetups of Bigs and Littles, BBBS school-based programs, and mentoring via Sports Buddies and Bigs in Blue.
Mission: To reduce food insecurity for neighbors in the greater Carlisle area by offering access to nutritious food, programs and a support network that promotes self-sufficiency, fosters dignity and instills hope.
Our Funding Supported: Providing meals to participants of Project SHAREʼs Summer Feeding4Kids program, which in 2023 alone fed over 79,000 children.
Mission: To promote economic and social mobility of Black and Brown individuals as an advocate, and through community partnerships. Their vision is a safe, thriving, and culturally vibrant Carlisle community.
Our Funding Supported: Empowering community members through youth programs (summer scholarships), supportive services (Bridge to HOPE), and special events (Juneteenth Celebration and Black Cultural Festivals).
Grants to CALC brought art to life through clubs and summer art and adventure camp!
Grants to BBBS supported area matches just like Big Susan and Little Reagyn here!
Grants to CHS Band Boosters answered a call to fund newly designed band jackets!
Grants to CVC sponsored a journaling project and field trip to Zoo America and Hershey Park!
Grants to Project SHARE provided 560 meals to children in the Summer Feeding4Kids program!
If you would like to donate to the Flip Flops Foundation Scholarship,
please visit our Donate page for more information or contact us.
