Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

Overview
The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by relatives of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell as a memorial to the couple. The Nessells moved to Duluth in 1920; Emanuel managed the First Street Department Store, and their four children — Sophie, Leonard, Louisa and Harry — attended Duluth public schools and graduated from Central High School. The family believed strongly in higher education and in helping students with financial need. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, Jewish applicants receive priority consideration.

Who is eligible
To qualify you must:
- Be a graduate of a Duluth public or private school (examples include Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Area Learning Center, Harbor City International, Marshall School, and Lake View Academy).
- Demonstrate financial need (as shown on the FAFSA).
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Show active participation in extracurricular activities.
Priority will be given to Jewish graduates, per the scholarship founders’ request.

Award amount and use
- Award range: $1,250 to $1,500 per year for two years (total award $2,500 to $3,000).
- Use: Funds may be applied to expenses at any accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school.
- Payments are sent directly to the school.

How to apply
- Application method: Apply using the DSACF Universal Application.
- Applications open: December 1, 2025.
- Deadline: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Award notifications: Recipients will be notified by email no later than May 1, 2026.

Disbursement schedule and transfers
- Fall payment: mailed to the school between July 15–30, 2026 (final processing by July 30).
- Spring payment: mailed to the school between December 15–30, 2026 (final processing by December 30).
- Transferring schools: Contact DSACF before or as soon as you plan to transfer. A scholarship will not automatically follow you, and if a transfer happens after disbursement it can take up to 90 days to reprocess the payment.

Tax guidance
DSACF recommends that scholarship recipients consult a tax advisor. Per the IRS, scholarship and fellowship grants are tax-free only if:
- You are a candidate for a degree at an eligible educational institution (regular faculty and curriculum, regularly enrolled students), and
- The amounts are used for tuition, required fees, or required books, supplies, and equipment for courses.

A final note
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have financial need, this is a meaningful opportunity — especially if you’re part of the Jewish community and are being considered under the founders’ stated preference. If you have questions about eligibility, transfers, or the application process, contact DSACF well before the deadline.