When North High School seniors entered their school auditorium on Friday, April 15, they had no way of knowing the amazing surprise that was about to happen. They would find out that when they graduate this spring, they will each receive a $10,000 scholarship towards their post-secondary education, whether it’s college or career training! There are about 100 North High students on track to receive these scholarships.
Pillsbury United Communities raised the $1million needed to award these scholarships to give hope to these students who have been faced with a number of difficulties during their high school years: the Covid pandemic which disrupted their learning and canceled school events, the murder of George Floyd, the Minneapolis teachers and support staff strike, and the large amount of community violence including the senseless murder of one of their classmates Deshaun Hill Jr. in February.
According to Pillsbury United’s CEO & President, Adair Mosley, “We believe direct investments in young people are powerful. This fund will meaningfully support students in actualizing the futures of their wildest dreams.”
Pillsbury United will hold the scholarship funds and remit them directly to the educational institution of student’s choosing. If students do not have an immediate plan, they will have up to one year to determine their plans. Besides the funds, Pillsbury United will also make its college and career counselors available to the students during summer hours to help support them through this process. The Pillsbury United counselors are hired from the community, providing students with trusted adults that have similar life experiences.
The North High Scholarship Fund is made possible by contributions from a number of foundations and corporations: The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund at the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Cargill Foundation, General Mills, McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Twins, Target, and the U.S. Bank Foundation. Pillsbury United is also still welcoming additional contributions to the fund. They also plan to explore how to continue and expand it in the years to come. You can go to pillsburyunited.org/donate/ if you would like contribute.