Applications are open for this year’s “Growing Good” internship, in partnership with the U of M-Landscape Arboretum.
Our 8 week paid summer internship is looking for youth ages 12-14 in the Phillips community who are interested in learning about growing food and local food systems!
Use This Form to express interest.
The FANS program recently returned from their annual out-of-state college trip. This year, they headed west to to Colorado to tour a number of colleges across Denver and Boulder. In between taking in the rocky mountain views and exploring the city, students had the opportunity to visit Colorado University Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Community College of Denver, and Colorado University Boulder.
FANS (Furthering Achievement Through a Network of Support) is a college and career mentorship program for high school students, specifically working with students of color, recent immigrants, and other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
For more than 30 years, FANS has combined traditional academic tutoring and intensive personal mentorship to ensure that young people in the city of Minneapolis have the support they need to succeed in high school and higher education.
Upon completing the program and graduating from high school, students are eligible for a scholarship to help pay for their continuing education. FANS scholarships are funded entirely by contributions to the FANS Race, and 100% of contributions go directly to students to help cover books, tuition, and other expenses. These contributions have made college a reality for hundreds of young people throughout Minneapolis.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Urban Farming Internship at Oak Park Neighborhood Center! This internship is focused on urban agriculture, food systems, and community food access. Interns will work in the hoop house, help with produce distribution, care for and harvest crops for the community, and learn about food systems & food justice!
How often do you have the opportunity to eat pizza AND support career & college readiness at the same time? 🍕🎓
Tuesday, May 5th is FANS Parkway Pizza Day at the Longfellow Parkway Pizza! 5% of all dine-in and carry-out sales that day will be donated to the FANS Program.
What is the FANS Program?
FANS is a college and career mentorship program that provides traditional academic tutoring and intensive personal mentorship to high school students, specifically working with students of color, recent immigrants, and other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
🗓️ Tuesday, May 5, 2026
⏰ 11am – 10pm
📍 Parkway Pizza Longfellow
4359 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55406
We hope to see you there!
Click Here to learn more about the FANS program.
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.
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
Eligibility Requirements
Application Deadline: March 23, 2026
For questions, contact Autumn at [email protected] or 612-545-7261.
We look forward to having you on air at KRSM 98.9 FM!
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.
Melanie Rucker stands in front of a retired firetruck at the MN Firefighters Museum on Jan. 7. Photo by MJ Smith
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
Training/Career Exploration/Employment
Youth Civic Engagement
PUC
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:
Program Requirements:
Eligibility:
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.
Dear Pillsbury United Community,
We understand that recent articles in the Star Tribune regarding the charter school sector have understandably raised questions. We want to assure you that Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) remains a strong and stable charter school authorizer, fully committed to our vital mission. I am writing to you today to provide both some needed clarity and reassurance.
First, some reassurance. For the record, PUC is not in danger of being terminated as a charter school authorizer. We want to emphasize the steps taken by PUC’s Office of Public Charter Schools (PUC-OPCS) in response to feedback from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). We view this as an opportunity for growth and have been actively implementing requested corrective actions with our enhanced operational capacity. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all our endeavors.
Second, some needed clarity. Every high-performing organization puts continuous improvement at the center of how it operates. PUC is no different. While we don’t agree with many of the allegations made in the Star Tribune series, we recognize that any organization that cares about continuous improvement should take this kind of criticism as an opportunity—a chance—to reflect on the work that we are doing in our charter schools and look for ways to further strengthen and improve. This is completely consistent with our mission and values—to help communities thrive, and empower everyone to have personal, social, and economic agency.
We are proud of the progress within our schools and as a charter authorizer:
For example, the Minnesota Internship Center (MNIC) provides invaluable hands-on learning experiences and career pathways for students seeking alternative educational models. The High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) nurtures the talents and passions of young artists interested in the music industry, offering a unique and enriching educational environment focused on creative expression and technical skills. These are just two examples of how our charter schools are uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs of our students.
We firmly believe in the power of community-driven education and the positive impact our charter schools have on the lives of students and families. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards and ensuring the continued success of our schools as we work together to help communities thrive and empower individual confidence and agency.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the mission of Pillsbury United Communities.
It is with profound respect and admiration that we honor the legacy of Bob Frawley, the first Director of the Brian Coyle Center and founder of the FANS Ultra Race. Bob’s impact during his 15-year tenure with Pillsbury United Communities – rooted in his unwavering commitment to community development, opportunities for young people to succeed, and social justice – are immeasurable.
Bob’s journey in Pillsbury United Communities began in 1988 when he founded FANS (Furthering Achievement Through a Network of Support). This initiative, which he directed until 2000, established the annual FANS Ultra Race, a fundraiser for scholarships for young people to attend college that continues to this day.
From 1991 to 1993, Bob directed the Currie Center, predecessor to the Brian Coyle Center. He then served as the first Director of the Brian Coyle Center in Cedar Riverside from 1993 until 1998, playing a crucial role in its buildout and establishment. His leadership and vision were instrumental in creating the vibrant hub that continues to serve as a cornerstone of critical community infrastructure. Bob’s leadership extended to his role as Director of Waite House, where he mentored so many community members and future PUC leaders. He was also instrumental in creating PUC’s affiliate program which supported the development of emerging, culturally specific nonprofits.
After leaving Pillsbury United Communities, Bob continued to support the FANS Ultra Race each year as a racer and fundraiser. He also dedicated himself to supporting smaller Immigrant led non-profits as a grant writer and strategic consultant. His core work was focused on empowering these organizations to realize their missions, serve their communities and achieve sustainability.
Bob touched countless lives, and his impact is best reflected in the words of those who had the privilege of working with him:
Amano Dube, Senior Directior of Community Development at the Brian Coyle Center
“I have known Bob since early 2000 when I was literally a volunteer for Oromo Community of MN which was located in a very small corner across from Brian Coyle Center. Bob touched the lives of so many immigrant communities in the twin cities. He is probably the main reason for so many new American social services organizations to exist and succeed in serving their communities. He is super smart, methodical, articulate and fearless. He understands how to navigate and extract resources from the philanthropic communities to benefit the communities in need. He left the lasting impact on the lives of so many. May his soul rest in peace!”
Noel Raymond, Senior Director of Narrative, Arts & Culture at Pillsbury House + Theatre
“When I started at PUC, I was initially afraid of Bob – he was intensely focused, exacting in his assessment of results, extraordinarily productive, and super disciplined when it came to finances. As I began to work with him on evaluation initiatives, fundraising strategy and program development, I came to so appreciate all of these qualities and I set about adopting them in my own work. Despite my initial fear, Bob was an incredibly generous and patient mentor and made me truly feel seen and successful. I came to understand that this was his super power – he quietly and diligently mentored so many. I am honored to have known him and to be part of his lasting legacy.”
To make a donation in honor of Bob Frawley, visit here. All donations will be directed to the FANS Scholarship fund, as requested by Bob and his family.
