The J. F. Goodwin Scholarship Club was founded in 1935 by Dr. J. F. Goodwin, a young black physician who saw a great need, in the black community of Bethlehem, to help students continue their educations beyond high school. He preached a gospel of education beyond high school to equip young people to meet the challenges of life. When James Goodwin went to Howard University he found that he did not have enough money to continue. It took him 10 years to complete his education there.
Upon becoming a doctor he found that the local hospital in Bethlehem, PA would not accept him due to color barriers at the time.
To continuing to fulfill his dream, a local black family allowed him to practice medicine from their home.
Years later Dr. Goodwin moved to Reading, PA where he continued practicing and founded a sister club. Dr. Goodwin found the time throughout the years to remain active in both clubs.
In 1956 the J. F. Goodwin Scholarship Fund was established to act as custodian for the Fund. The founding members were Mrs. Olivia Clark, Mr. William Walton, Mrs. Audrey Blue, Mrs. Rebecca Grimes Hatfield, Mr. Jacob White, Mrs. Lillian Taylor, Mr. Sampson Taylor, Mrs. Margaret Bowers.
Honorary members were Mrs. Olivia Clark and Mrs. Melvin Neff. 
Over the years the J. F. Goodwin Scholarship Club, consisting of high school students, remained active as an extracurricular activity club in the Bethlehem Area School District until the late 1970’s. The Board of Directors created goals and activities for the J. F. Goodwin Scholarship Club during that time.