Project Legacy

Today would be a great day to make a donation to Project Legacy to help us meet our Mayo Clinic challenge grant! If we raise $10,000 Mayo will match that dollar for dollar!
All money raised goes to the direct support of our youth!
Www.projectlegacymn.org/donate

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

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!!

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.