On the Edge of Encouraging Hope

Connie and Ken Schoen moved to Duluth later in life being drawn to Lake Superior by Ken’s pass ion for sailing and disc overing a 2 acre property overlooking the lake. They went on to build a house here, but it is through volunteering they made this region home. Volunteering created connections within the community while giving them a chance to give something back. But, this wasn’t enough.

During their careers in the field of corrections, Ken and Connie saw first hand the destructive impact that a distressed childhood can have on kids trying to reach their potential. Having worked for a foundation in New York City for years, Ken knew that foundations could be a source of help. They assumed for individuals to respond to such a problem would take millions of dollars. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation provided the solution.

The couple went on to create the Kenneth and Concetta Schoen Scholarship Fund to assist students who had not consistently displayed high academic achievement but have the potential to complete post secondary work. The students are also in a financial position where without this scholarship, higher education might not be an option.

“The showing of interest and financial support can go a long way in a student’s life,” Ken says. “With
motivation and an opportunity for success, they can develop into much more than even we can imagine.”