Project Legacy

05/25/2026

http://eepurl.com/NleIG3gJWT

As we prepare to celebrate our graduates this month, I keep thinking about what it takes for a young person not only to survive, but to keep going day after day...to stay in school, to keep believing in a future, to ask for help when they need it, and to trust that someone will answer. At Project Le...

05/23/2026

Yesterday, a physician at Mayo talked to me about a high school student she's been mentoring and asked if Project Legacy would step in and assist. Food and housing insecurity, a first- generation citizen, and a single parent.....his needs and barriers are more than the mentor can assist with.

Also yesterday, I received a text from a young man who is a part of Legacy Scholars, a program for students who have grown up in poverty who are working towards a college degree or technical certification. He was born in Chicago while his mom was living in a shelter and he has grown up in shelters and hotels in the Mpls metro. He sent me his grades from spring semester, updated me on where he's living for the summer, the two jobs he's working and then sent me a photo of his pants that had ripped - asking if we might have enough money in our budget for some new pants and shirts that look professional.

Earlier this week, I had a long conversation with another PL participant about his journey from RCTC where he played football and could only picture himself as an athlete - because that is the identity society told him was his; nothing more and nothing else. He talked about the grief he felt when it became clear that he wouldn't be drafted by the NFL - this is the dream that is peddled by far too many coaches and athletic directors, in my opinion. Another young man who had grown up without parents and the security of a home, he has had to navigate life on his own. Now, three years after we first met him, he has found a path that he is proud of and excited for - and a circle of peers and adults who celebrate his joys and grieve with him when life hurts.

We know the difficulties and the challenges created by the policies of this current administration and those who support them.
We also know that there are many more people who believe in compassion, love and equity....and the power of community.

People often ask me, " What can we do?
How can we help?" I don't have all the answers... I don't have many answers at all...
But what I do know is that every single day there are opportunities to be a decent human being who extends a hand to lift someone up when they are down, to listen without judgement, to encourage when the way forward seems daunting.
And, be an educated citizen. Follow the money, watch actions more than words of those running for office, use your voice and vote. It matters.

And if you have a few extra dollars, we could use them for some pants, shirts and socks.
Www.projectlegacymn.org

05/22/2026

A good day to drive to Blossom Hill orchard & farm, pick up some bakery treats and visit my kids!

05/21/2026

Today we congratulate Project Legacy Scholar, Duncan O.!
Duncan graduated from Hennepin Technical College with an AOS degree and HVAC certification!

Duncan started with us three years ago when he was a student at RCTC and a member of the football team.

Duncan says that the thing he loves most about PL is the Talking Circles because he never had the opportunity to have deep conversations with people who have different lifestyles, experiences and opinions- he says it is here that he has learned empathy.

A degree, friendships, a trade that he loves and the development of empathy and understanding of differences....

Congratulations, Duncan! We are so happy for you!!
Www.projectlegacymn.org
(Shared with permission)

05/18/2026

Congratulations to Ashwakh, Priscilla and Mihret - three Project Legacy Scholars who are graduating today with their Master's Degrees in Global Health from the University of Minnesota!
We are so very proud of you!!

05/16/2026

Congratulations to the Project Legacy 2026 college graduates!

Four Master's Degrees (Educational Leadership and Global Health),
Three BSN degrees,
And one AAS HVAC degree!

Through a global pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and Operation Metro Surge, these Minnesota students have persevered with focus, dedication, determination and grace.....and we at Project Legacy could not be more proud of them and happy for them!

Our future is in good hands with these rising stars! Thank you to every one of you who donated or contributed to Project Legacy- your support has changed lives! ❤️

Please join us on May 30, 2026 as we recognize all of our graduates and participants!

Www.projectlegacymn.org

05/05/2026

We’re honored to share that Project Legacy has received a $50,000 grant from Mayo Clinic, along with a $10,000 matching challenge.

For over a decade, this partnership has helped us walk alongside first-generation college students of color as they pursue education, stability, and meaningful careers.

Now, we have an opportunity to go even further.

Every dollar given will be matched—up to $10,000.

If you’ve ever thought about supporting this work, this is the moment.

Join us in building belonging, opportunity, and Legacy:
www.projectlegacymn.org/donate

05/02/2026

It's graduation season kick-off at Project Legacy and nothing makes me happier than the smiles on these beautiful faces!

Project Legacy is covering the cost of graduation photos for our eight college grads this spring and Ashwakh made all the arrangements... from finding the photographer in Mpls, arranging the details and making sure everyone got there...and then sent me these selfies as a preview!

Three Master's degrees in Global Health from the U of M, a Master's in Educational Leadership from Concordia St Paul, three BSN degrees from WSU, and certification in HVAC from Hennepin Technical College.....so much hard work, perseverance and commitment - you all did it and we are so very happy and proud!!

More photos soon!

04/03/2026

Please join us as we celebrate and honor our graduates, participants and donors - and recognize the community we've built- in the shelter of each other.
This spring, more than ever before, we need this time to celebrate - our community, our families, and our friends.
We truly are stronger together - we are Minnesota Strong!

Follow the link to register - space is limited so register soon...we can't wait to see you!

Join us as we celebrate our graduates, honor our donors, and recognize the community we've built - in the shelter of each other.

02/06/2026

Remembering Paul Singh Maan on his birthday

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Paul Singh Maan — a veteran, artist, and advocate for education whose life reflected resilience, service, and creativity. On his birthday, we remember him with gratitude and love, and we carry his values forward through the Paul Singh Maan Memorial Scholarship.

Through this scholarship, Paul’s legacy lives on by supporting immigrant students preparing for careers of care, healing, and community service.

Belonging that builds Legacy.

Paul Singh Maan Memorial Scholarship

The Paul Singh Maan Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the life, values, and legacy of Paul Singh Maan — a veteran, artist, and advocate for education whose journey reflects resilience, service, and creativity.
Born in Punjab, India, and raised between New Delhi and North Dakota, Paul’s life bridged cultures and continents. After graduating from North Dakota State University, he became the first in his family to serve in the United States Air Force. In later years, Paul found joy and purpose through artistic photography, capturing the beauty of wilderness landscapes throughout the American West.
Paul believed deeply in education, service, and the power of opportunity. These beliefs live on through the scholarship that bears his name.

Supporting Immigrant Students

In light of the current national climate and increased risks faced by immigrant communities, scholarship recipients are not identified by name in order to protect their safety and privacy.
Each year, the Paul Singh Maan Memorial Scholarship supports immigrant students pursuing education in healthcare, social services, and related fields — students who are committed to caring for others and strengthening their communities.

The 2026 recipients include six future physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and emergency care professionals, many of whom are first-generation college students and all of whom demonstrate resilience, compassion, and dedication to service.

About the Founders

The scholarship was established by Dr. Ajit Maan, author, professor, and CEO of Narrative Strategies and Karen Light Edmonds, Founder and Executive Director of Project Legacy. Their families’ long history of service at North Dakota State University, combined with Paul’s life and values, shaped a scholarship rooted in dignity, opportunity, and hope.