Will Heller

FANS Parkway Pizza Day: Eat Pizza & Support Career and College Readiness

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.

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

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

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

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.

Elizabeth Brisbin

PUC responds to Star Tribune Charter School Series

Classroom Photo

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: 

  •  PUC-OPCS has embraced MDE’s feedback and is diligently implementing corrective actions.  Our strengthened operational capacity underscores our deep commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring we meet all regulatory requirements and continuously improve our practices. 
  • Strong Belief in Our Continued Role as an Authorizer: PUC-OPCS has full confidence in its continued capacity as a Minnesota charter school authorizer. Our recent structural changes have further solidified our ability to effectively fulfill our obligations effectively and provide robust support to our schools. 
  • Unwavering Commitment to Our Charter Schools: Addressing identified issues and championing the success of our charter schools remains a top priority for PUC-OPCS. We are steadfast in our commitment and are not considering withdrawing as an authorizer. It is crucial to recognize the significant and positive role that PUC’s charter schools play in providing important educational and economic opportunities within the communities we serve. Our schools are vital pathways for a diverse range of students, including those from various cultural and economic backgrounds, and many who have faced significant challenges within traditional public-school systems.  

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. 

Elizabeth Brisbin

Remembering Bob Frawley

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.

Elizabeth Brisbin

North High Scholarship Response 12/20/23

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We hope this message finds you well. At Pillsbury United Communities (PUC), we are committed to supporting your child’s educational journey, and we understand the vital role scholarships play in this process. Recently, we’ve received feedback about difficulties in accessing the North High Scholarship funds. We want to clear up any confusion and provide clear guidance to ease the process. 

Steps to Receive the North High Scholarship: To ensure a smooth scholarship disbursement, please follow these steps: 

  1. Obtain a Student Statement: Ask your school’s financial aid office for a copy of your student statement. 
  2. Submit Required Information to PUC: Email the student statement to Gary Ly at [email protected].
    Please include:     
  • Student’s Name 
  • Student’s Email 
  • Student ID or Social Security Number 
  • Statement with the balance due to the student’s account 
  • Address of the School’s Financial Aid or Bursar’s Office where the payment should be sent 

PUC will coordinate directly with your academic institution to apply your scholarship towards your balance. 

Additional Support for Post-secondary Planning: If your student is still considering their post-secondary options, PUC offers college and career counseling services. To access this support, please contact Gary Ly at [email protected] or 651-252-4649 during business hours. 

Extended Deadline for Scholarship Application: We acknowledge the community’s need for more time to apply for the scholarship. Therefore, we are extending the application deadline to June 30th, 2024. 

Holiday Closure Notice: Please be aware that the PUC offices will be closed from December 25th to January 1st. During this period, responses may be delayed. We will resume regular operations on January 2nd. 

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we strive to assist each student effectively. Our goal is to make the scholarship process as accessible and supportive as possible. If you have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing your child’s education. 

Warm regards, 

Cinnamon Pelly 

President, CEO of Pillsbury United Communities 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Can the check be cut directly to me? No. The check will only be distributed to an educational institution for eligible expenses. 

Can I give the $10,000 to someone else? No. The award is unique to you. Your classmates are all awarded the same amount and are not transferable to other classmates, friends or family members. 

What are the eligible expenses? Tuition, registration fees, room and board. Books and technology purchased only through the school. As noted, the institution will invoice Pillsbury directly for any fees incurred for you. 

 Do I have to spend all the money at once? No, but all funds must be utilized by June 30, 2024. 

 I graduated in summer ’23. Can I access the scholarship funds? Currently, the funds are specifically for students who graduated in 2022. 

Elizabeth Brisbin

The 2023 PUC Summer Youth Showcase

Rather than enjoying time by the lake or playing video games inside, this summer was spent by our youth interns working vigorously at various social enterprises of Pillsbury United Communities. These students spent a large part of their time working as journalists, theater tech interns, radio hosts, film crews, fashion designers, and horticulture workers. To celebrate the work they’ve done, PUC held a very special celebration at Pillsbury House + Theatre on Thursday, August 3rd with the culmination of these interns’ work on display.

The event began just outside the venue where “inside out cars” were on display thanks to the creative theater tech interns. Inside was a booth with a spectacular sound system set up by KRSM Radio. The KRSM interns maintained a live broadcast of the event throughout the night where people of all ages could go live on the air and give a shout out at the event.

Located on the second floor was a hot sauce competition led by the Growing Good interns which, as many could attest, was incredibly spicy. Beside them was a strategically placed cucumber water stand to help combat the heat of the contest. In addition to that was a free produce table where community members received free vegetables grown by the Food Systems interns. North News and the East Lake Street Cohort had displays across from them with storyboards and photos of the amazing work they had done this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, a film screening was projected in the theater. The films were directed, shot, and edited entirely by the students and focused on some of the harsher aspects of life in Minneapolis. Following the film screenings was a fashion show put on by interns at Sisterhood Boutique. Unlike some fashion shows, the models walking were the interns themselves who had designed and crafted pieces of clothes using up-cycled materials as a commentary on the fast fashion industry.

Many thanks to the wonderful community members who came and supported our youth interns. An additional thanks to our parters Best Buy Teen Tech Center and the University of Minnesota. This night was a showcase in how investing in our youth can lead to monumental change for a just society.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Cinnamon Pelly Named President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, APRIL 10, 2023 — The Pillsbury United Communities Board of Directors announced today that Cinnamon Pelly has been named the President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities. Ms. Pelly comes to the agency from Cincinnati, Ohio where she has most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio.

Pelly is an experienced executive with diverse leadership experience spanning community development, education, health and human services, banking and philanthropy. As COO of the Urban League, she oversaw significant renovations to the Cincinnati and Dayton offices during the COVID-19 pandemic which kept the doors open and allowed staff to serve 40,000 in the community.  She led negotiations for a 10-year, multi-million-dollar real estate contract for the new Holloman Center for Social Justice. The Cincinnati Enquirer called her an “African American emerging leader to watch,” and she’s been honored with several professional awards for her transformational leadership.

“I am deeply honored to lead Pillsbury United Communities as its next president and CEO. I am fortunate to join a team of incredibly talented and caring executives, staff, volunteers, trustees, and donors who have prioritized a bold vision for justice, equity, and prosperity. Together, we will build on our rich legacy of co-creating enduring change that positions people and communities to reach their full potential.”  said Pelly.

Pelly’s first official day at the agency will be April 17, 2023.

“Pillsbury United Communities has been the quiet achiever, fighting for social justice and equity in our communities for over 140 years. The team has been preparing for the next chapter and selecting this new leader was a serious undertaking. We had some wonderful candidates, and we actively involved the entire organization. In the end, Cinnamon didn’t only bring an incredible breadth of skills and experience, but her ability to genuinely connect with people at all levels was amazing. Uniting people is the key to our future. With game-changing directives in play that will positively impact so many parts of the community, the Board is excited to welcome Cinnamon to help begin PUC’s next chapter.” said Heath Rudduck, Chair of the Board of Directors.

“I’m so pleased to have Cinnamon join Pillsbury United. Her breadth of experience, coupled with her commitment to strengthening communities and racial equity are a beautiful combination of talent and passion that align with our agency’s values. I am thrilled to work closely with her in coming months to welcome her to the PUC family and introduce her to our community,” said Pillsbury United Interim CEO Brenna Brelie.

The Pillsbury United Board of Directors retained BroadView Talent Partners to conduct the CEO search in the fall of 2022. “Midwestern born and raised, Cinnamon brings an amazing blend of progressively responsible corporate, non-profit, and community development leadership coupled with exceptional relationship management and fundraising capabilities to the PUC CEO role. Cinnamon will fast-adapt to Minneapolis and the constituent communities served by PUC’s mission and social enterprises. We envision that she will be the perfect catalyst for PUC’s next phase of growth and maturity,” said Tracy McMillan, CEO & Managing Partner of BroadView Talent Partners.

About Pillsbury United Communities

Pillsbury United Communities is one of Minnesota’s most well-established organizations with 140+ years of service to diverse communities across the Twin Cities and beyond. Pillsbury United Communities has an annual operating budget of $16M (including affiliates) and 150 change agents. We are community builders co-creating enduring change toward a just society where every person has personal, social, and economic power. Our united system of programs, neighborhood centers, social enterprises, and partnerships connects individuals and their families across the region. More information about Pillsbury United Communities is available at www.pillsburyunited.org

 

Contact: Kenzie O’Keefe, Head of Mobilization & Narrative Strategy
651.245.2647
[email protected]

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