Josette and Albert “Bert” Evans
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill students pursuing careers in the behavioral sciences now have a scholarship opportunity thanks to the generosity of Josette and Albert “Bert” Evans. Endowed with a $100,000 gift, the Josette and Bert Evans Behavioral Sciences Scholarship provides financial support to students majoring in psychology or human development and family studies who are participating in the applied behavior analysis certification course and internship.
Recognizing a growing need for assistant behavioral analysts in the region, the Evanses have long supported workforce development initiatives at Penn State Schuylkill. For many years, they have provided internship opportunities at Evans Delivery Co., allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study. Their latest philanthropic effort aims to address the demand for trained professionals in behavior modification, supporting students who enroll in the behavior modification course and complete internships at Gym-Jam. These students are preparing to become board-certified assistant behavioral analysts, a profession in high demand in the community. Gym-Jam provides services designed to support children with autism in developing communication, behavior, play, social and motor skills, while offering comprehensive support for families, including parent training and ongoing guidance.
“Thanks to the generosity of Josette and Bert Evans, our students have the opportunity to gain both the academic knowledge and practical experience necessary to meet the increasing need for behavioral science professionals,” said Cory Scherer, interim chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill.
In addition to their latest scholarship, the Evanses have supported Penn State Schuylkill through multiple philanthropic endeavors, including the Josette and Bert Evans Open Doors Scholarship, the Josette and Bert Evans Internship Fund, the Josette and Bert Evans Trustee Scholarship, and the Josette and Bert Evans Scholarship. Also, in 2023, they established the Bert and Josette Evans Internship Fund at Penn State Harrisburg to support students in the applied behavior analysis program. Their longstanding commitment to higher education and workforce readiness has significantly benefited students and the local economy.
“It’s always a pleasure for Josette and me to read the comments the scholarship recipients send to us each year. You realize what a difference you have made in someone’s life for the better and often their comment is, 'now that I’ve been given this opportunity, I will make sure I give a Penn State student the same opportunity when I am able.' It’s comments like those that make us keep coming back with additional financial scholarship support,” Bert Evans said.
Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Bert Evans has been an influential leader in both the business and civic communities. As chairman of Evans Delivery Co. Inc., DM Transportation Management Services Inc., and West Motor Freight of Pennsylvania, he has played a pivotal role in the logistics and transportation industry. He also has been deeply involved in community service, serving on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Schuylkill YMCA, Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board, and the Hawk Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America. His dedication to service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Silver Beaver Award, the Angel Award, and the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year Award.
In 2015, Bert Evans was awarded the Penn State Honorary Alumni Award, recognizing his unwavering support of the University despite not being a Penn State graduate. This prestigious award underscores his significant contributions to the institution and his impact on student success.
“With the introduction of the Josette and Bert Evans Behavioral Sciences Scholarship, the Evanses continue their tradition of empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals while addressing critical workforce needs,” Scherer said. “Their support not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader community by fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals in the behavioral sciences field.”
Donors like Josette and Bert Evans advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.
