create equity in education.

The Ham Family Scholarship Fund Presented by Essentia Health benefits diverse students in the Duluth-Superior area. The fund was created in 2022 by Stephanie and CJ Ham, Essentia Health and the NFL Foundation to support students of color in the area. It will grow through continued donations from the family and community.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be graduates of or graduating from the one of the following schools: the Duluth Area Learning Center, Duluth Denfeld High School, Duluth East High School, Harbor City International School, Hermantown High School, Lakeview Christian Academy, Marshall School, Proctor High School or Superior High School.

As a person of color growing up in Duluth, CJ Ham overcame financial and other obstacles in his pursuit of higher-level education. The scholarship encourages and supports diverse students in pursuit of higher-level education while aiming to improve regional BIPOC retention and graduation rates through financial support.

Generally, awards are divided into spring and fall installments and are renewable for four years, assuming proper academic progress (GPA of 2.5 or greater). Depending on the availability of funds, full- time summer school attendance may be awarded if sufficient credits are earned.