Will Heller

PUC Interns Participate in Youth Day at the Capitol

On March 3rd, 2026, the Minnesota State Capitol was abuzz with activity as over 600 youth from across the state of Minnesota gathered for the annual “Youth Day at the Capitol” (YDAC).

Interns heard from political advocates at various points in their journey – from a high school board representative to Minnesota’s Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Interns had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and Legislative Aide Saynab Jama. North News interns asked Champion questions that pertain to their reporting for the April print edition and Brian Coyle youth heard from Saynab about her work in the White House under President Biden and her role serving on the Health Committee at the MN State Legislature.

This event marked the first time many youth visited the State capitol.

Will Heller

Art In Commons Residency Begins at Pillsbury House + Theatre

Pillsbury House Theatre seeks artists from our surrounding neighborhoods (Central, Powderhorn Park, Bancroft, Bryant) to participate in Art In Commons (AIC). Through AIC, PH+T will be providing individual artist’s 24 hour access to free 110 sq. ft. studio space in the lobby of our neighborhood center at no cost.

AIC offers small scale opportunities to:

  • Embed neighborhood artists from a variety of artistic discipline and cultural production in our community center as resident artists for 4- 8 weeks.
  • Increase understanding and expand the value of the work of artists for the 24,000 people that enter our building each year.
  • Explore how we can better support neighborhood artists through access to a FREE temporary studio, and the possibility of exhibiting or marketing their art to neighborhood residents.
  • Provide artists opportunities to invite public participation in reciprocal art activities.

We are looking to have artists activate the studio space year round. If you are interested in being an AIC Artist, please contact Mike Hoyt at 612-787-3655, or email [email protected].

*Given this is a commons area, some materials restrictions apply.

Will Heller

Park Avenue United Methodist Church to Host Food Giveaway

A graphic that shares information about the Park Avenue United Methodist Church Food Giveaway. The event was held on Friday, March 20th from 2:30 to 4pm.

Another fantastic opportunity to help bring some relief to our struggling neighbors! Thank you so much to Park Avenue United Methodist Church for arranging this food giveaway!

🗓️ Friday, March 20
🕐 2:30 – 4:00 PM
📍 Park Ave Church
3400 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis
Lower level, Dining Room

Additionally, their Cornerstone Thrift Store is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons and the 3rd Friday of the month. The Free Legal Clinic is open on Thursdays, 2:30 – 5:00pm and the 3rd Friday of the month.  St. Mary’s Clinic offers free healthcare services for the uninsured Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:45-4:35 PM at Park Ave Church. For eligibility and to schedule a clinic appointment, contact 651-287-7777 or [email protected].

Will Heller

PUC Offers Parent Education Class In Partnership With MPS Early Childhood Family Education

Join MPS Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Pillsbury United Communities for a parent education class this spring!

Dates: April 8 – June 10
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Location: Brian Coyle Center
420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Wednesdays from 12-2 pm for parents with children birth to age 5 (not attending kindergarten yet).

Parents are required to attend the class with their child. Classes are free to attend, and lunch will be provided for children. Activities and games will also be available for children while ECFE facilitates parent discussion. A class field trip to the Minnesota Zoo is being planned!

To register, contact Jennifer Weber (Coach Weber) at 763-464-2790 or [email protected]

Will Heller

Support Your Local Food Shelf: The Minnesota Food Share March Campaign

This March, Pillsbury United Communities is partnering with Minnesota FoodShare to support local food shelves across our state.

Every day, families in our own community are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy groceries, keep the lights on, or put food on the table. No one should have to choose between food and other basic necessities, yet this is the heartbreaking reality for far too many Minnesotans.

You can make a meaningful difference. With your support, we can ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and no parent has to skip meals so their family can eat. Your generosity helps provide fresh produce, nutritious meals, and essential pantry staples to households who may otherwise go without.

A gift of any size creates real impact:

  • 10 dollars can provide a week’s worth of healthy snacks for a child
  • 25 dollars can supply fresh groceries to a family in crisis
  • 50 dollars can stock a pantry with essentials for an entire month

Your compassion helps restore dignity, stability, and hope. Together, we can build a community where every family has the nourishment they need to thrive.

Please consider making your gift today. Your kindness today can change someone’s tomorrow.

Support Your Local Food Shelf

 

Will Heller

KRSM Radio Offers Paid Spring Session High School Internship

KRSM Radio is offering a paid Youth Media Internship this spring for Minneapolis high school students interested in radio, storytelling, and media production.

Through this after-school internship with Pillsbury United Communities, students will learn the fundamentals of radio broadcasting while gaining hands-on experience in audio production, media literacy, digital storytelling, and content development. Interns will work together to create original content for weekly live broadcasts on KRSM 98.9 FM.

This special spring session is designed to fast-track students through the basics of radio programming while collaborating on a group project that will be showcased at the end of May. Interns will also work alongside current KRSM youth media interns, making collaboration and teamwork a key part of the experience.

Program Details

  • Dates: April 6 – May 22, 2026
  • Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4–6 PM
  • Location: Waite House Community Center
  • Pay: $16.37/hour

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a high school student in Minneapolis
  • Must be able to provide a Social Security card and photo ID for payroll

Application Deadline: March 23, 2026

For questions, contact Autumn at [email protected] or 612-545-7261.

Apply Here

We look forward to having you on air at KRSM 98.9 FM!

Will Heller

North News Interns Interview Minneapolis Fire Chief Rucker

The February 2026 edition of North News featured a special story — one that was written by the interns.

A team of eleven intern contributors came together to profile Minneapolis Fire Department Interim Chief Melanie Rucker, a North Minneapolis native and trailblazer who became the first Black woman chief in Minneapolis. It was a fitting match: young journalists telling the story of a leader who has dedicated her career to opening doors for the next generation.

Read the Full Story Here.

Melanie Rucker stands in front of a retired firetruck at the MN Firefighters Museum on Jan. 7. Photo by MJ Smith

Will Heller

Drag Story Hour MN Returns to the Pillsbury House + Theatre Stage

We’re delighted to welcome back a community favorite!

Drag Story Hour MN returns to the PH+T stage with Shimmering Waves — a joyful mix of stories and songs flowing from freshwater streams to the sea. Featuring magical creatures, puppetry, music, and plenty of sparkle, this interactive performance celebrates gender expression, friendship, and the wonder of nature.

Join Doña Pepa, Sid Sity, and Old Man Shimmer for a heartwarming experience designed for children and their caregivers to enjoy together.

March 21, 2026
Two performances
10:30 AM Art Activities | 11:00 AM Show
12:30 PM Art Activities | 1:00 PM Show

Masks encouraged.
Reservations are encouraged. Online reservations include a $5 minimum per family, with a limited number of $0 day-of tickets available.

Learn More and Reserve Your Spot

Will Heller

PUC Hosts College and Career Fair at Brian Coyle Center

On February 4th, 2026, PUC hosted our annual College + Career Fair for 80+ high school students to promote career exploration, higher-education, leadership trainings and summer employment opportunities.

Thank you to all of the organizations that tabled at this event:

Higher Education

  • St. Kate’s
  • Augsburg
  • Dunwoody
  • Minneapolis College
  • University of Minnesota

Training/Career Exploration/Employment

  • Minneapolis Fire Department
  • Tree Trust
  • Step-Up
  • MPS Community Education
  • Twin Cities Medical Training

Youth Civic Engagement

  • Be That Neighbor
  • City of Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board
  • Cedar-Riverside Athletics + Enrichment

PUC

  • Full Cycle
  • PUC Career Pathways
  • North News
  • Sisterhood Boutique

Will Heller

Pillsbury United Communities Announces Job Posting for President & Chief Executive Officer

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the chief executive leader and public ambassador of PUC. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO holds full P&L responsibility for a multi-site, multi-revenue-stream organization and leads strategy, financial performance, operations, fundraising, and external relations.

View the Full Job Posting

Will Heller

Natural Hair Care Institute Now Offering Up To $1,800 in Supportive Services for Students

The Natural Hair Care Institute is now offering up to $1,800 in supportive services to students! Supportive services can include rent, grocery, transportation, and childcare support. For more information, and to enroll, visit: www.nhci.education or email Autumn at [email protected]

Founded in 2022, the Natural Hair Care Institute is a non-profit, natural hair care institution that educates, motivates and prepares students for a career in natural hair care and hair braiding. During the program, students gain:

  • An advanced curriculum in natural haircare and braiding
  • Hands-on training on working with all hair textures
  • Support and supervision from knowledgeable staff
  • Assistance with securing clients and job placement after the program
  • Business building skills and customer service skills

Program Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand for 6-8 hours per day to do hair
  • Must commit to a 32-hour onsite training schedule Monday-Thursday, for 19 weeks

Eligibility:

  • Must be a resident of Minneapolis (proof of residency required: State ID, lease or utility bill with MPLS address)
  • Adult program – open to people ages 18-24
  • Meet income limits – these vary by number in household and are updated annually

Want to learn more? We are hosting an Open House at Natural Hair Care Institute for prospective students:

Friday, March 13
2:00-3:30pm
Natural Hair Care Institute
2909 Bryant Ave. S #104
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Learn more about the Natural Hair Care training and certification, meet the staff, tour the space and learn about the PUC scholarship for 18-24 year olds residing in Minneapolis.

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