Latest Direction

PCYC is exploring partnerships with mission-aligned organizations to share portions of our North Minneapolis campus as part of our long-term sustainability and strategic refocusing efforts.

Our facilities were designed to support learning, wellness, recreation, and community engagement. Through thoughtful shared use of underutilized spaces, we aim to strengthen sustainability, expand collaboration, and ensure the campus remains a vibrant community asset for years to come.

PCYC remains deeply committed to serving youth and families and investing in a strong future for our community.

For information about leasing, email frank.jermusek@svn.com

Our Mission

Rooted in North Minneapolis, PCYC ignites a spirit of inspiration, connection, and growth.

Operating Principles

PCYC has sustained this mission by following these operating principles:

• Achieve life-changing results for program participants.
• Adapt programs and activities to the times.
• Create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment.
• Serve as a vital community anchor, offering hope, leadership, and effective action.
• Support the growth and well-being of staff, volunteers, and community friends.
• Exercise wise stewardship of the organization’s gifts and assets.

I witness how we lift up young people, families, artists and community every day when I step into our buildings. Every day.

I’ve been an arts educator for over twenty-five years and have been with PCYC and the Capri for 20+ years. I serve this community whole-heartedly and live by the mission of PCYC, “To enrich the skills, prospects and spirit of North Minneapolis area youth and adults, in partnership with families and communities.”

Read more of this story
Kevin D. West Capri General Manager and Director of the Capri After School Theater (CAST) Program

Our Programs

young woman graduate smiling

PYC Arts & Technology High School

An alternative high school dedicated to giving students a positive, relevant, rigorous and community-connected education.

Learn More About PYC

Summer Freedom School
at PCYC

A free, six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment initiative that empowers elementary school scholars through reading, character building, and social action.

Learn More About Summer Freedom School

The Capri

The Capri is a cultural arts center and vibrant community hub in North Minneapolis, offering spaces to create, learn, collaborate, and experience all forms of art.

Learn More About the Capri

Our History

PCYC: 68 Years Strong

A very brief chronological history of PCYC.

1954: PCYC was founded in 1954 by students from Luther Seminary and other social justice advocates. Its first home was an old hotel on Plymouth Avenue.

 

1956: Plymouth Christian Youth Center purchased its first piece of land at the end of the Gunflint Trail which became PCYC’s Wilderness Canoe Base. Founded by “a group of courageous newly ordained Lutheran ministers,” says Greg Seitz in Profile: Wilderness Canoe Base, Wilderness Canoe Base is still thriving under the ownership of Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp.

Our History

1960s–1970s

1965: PCYC held its first annual Children’s Gift Sale, transforming the PCYC campus into a gift store where North Minneapolis youth shopped for their loved ones.  Children can once again experience the joy of giving at the 57th annual Children’s Gift Sale sale this December.

1969: PCYC moved from Plymouth Avenue to 2301 Oliver Ave. N., just off West Broadway, behind the Capri.

1971: The PCYC Alternative School, then known as Northside Street Academy, began operations, serving about 10 youth. Today PYC Arts & Technology High School serves about 150 students every school year.

1979: A young artist named Prince Rogers Nelson first performed as a solo artist at the Capri. The concert was a fundraiser for the theater. Tickets cost $4.00 in advance, $4.75 at the door.

Our History

1980s–1990s

 

1984: PCYC purchased the Capri Theater (built in 1927), and the alternative high school used it for classrooms, sharing it with 4-H which operated the American Variety Theater Company (AVTC).

Cornbread Harris taught piano at the Capri, and AVTC made a name for itself as “the best thing ever grown out of a 4-H garden.”

 

Early 1990’s: The Capri was “Home of the Future Stars” and a hub of neighborhood activity.

Our History

2004–2021

2004: PCYC (including PYC Arts & Technology High School) moved into new headquarters at 2210 Oliver Ave. N., which incorporated the renovation of a former car dealership. The old 2301 building was razed for parking and gardens.

 

2009: Phase I of the “Capri Renaissance” renovations were completed adding key amenities to the theater like new and expanded sound and lighting systems, a redesigned lobby space with windows connecting to West Broadway, and a new electronic marquee.

 

2015: The Phase II Capital Campaign for the Capri expansion and renovation was launched.

 

2019:  The official groundbreaking for the Capri took place on October 17, 2019. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, filled with joy.

 

2021: October 3, 2021 – another glorious day! The grand opening celebration of the expanded, renovated Capri began with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by tours throughout the day attended by 2,000+ delighted, dazzled people.

PCYC: 68 Years Strong

A very brief chronological history of PCYC.

1954: PCYC was founded in 1954 by students from Luther Seminary and other social justice advocates. Its first home was an old hotel on Plymouth Avenue.

 

1956: Plymouth Christian Youth Center purchased its first piece of land at the end of the Gunflint Trail which became PCYC’s Wilderness Canoe Base. Founded by “a group of courageous newly ordained Lutheran ministers,” says Greg Seitz in Profile: Wilderness Canoe Base, Wilderness Canoe Base is still thriving under the ownership of Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp.

Our History

1960s–1970s

1965: PCYC held its first annual Children’s Gift Sale, transforming the PCYC campus into a gift store where North Minneapolis youth shopped for their loved ones.  Children can once again experience the joy of giving at the 57th annual Children’s Gift Sale sale this December.

1969: PCYC moved from Plymouth Avenue to 2301 Oliver Ave. N., just off West Broadway, behind the Capri.

1971: The PCYC Alternative School, then known as Northside Street Academy, began operations, serving about 10 youth. Today PYC Arts & Technology High School serves about 150 students every school year.

1979: A young artist named Prince Rogers Nelson first performed as a solo artist at the Capri. The concert was a fundraiser for the theater. Tickets cost $4.00 in advance, $4.75 at the door.

Our History

1980s–1990s

 

1984: PCYC purchased the Capri Theater (built in 1927), and the alternative high school used it for classrooms, sharing it with 4-H which operated the American Variety Theater Company (AVTC).

Cornbread Harris taught piano at the Capri, and AVTC made a name for itself as “the best thing ever grown out of a 4-H garden.”

 

Early 1990’s: The Capri was “Home of the Future Stars” and a hub of neighborhood activity.

Our History

2004–2021

2004: PCYC (including PYC Arts & Technology High School) moved into new headquarters at 2210 Oliver Ave. N., which incorporated the renovation of a former car dealership. The old 2301 building was razed for parking and gardens.

 

2009: Phase I of the “Capri Renaissance” renovations were completed adding key amenities to the theater like new and expanded sound and lighting systems, a redesigned lobby space with windows connecting to West Broadway, and a new electronic marquee.

 

2015: The Phase II Capital Campaign for the Capri expansion and renovation was launched.

 

2019:  The official groundbreaking for the Capri took place on October 17, 2019. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, filled with joy.

 

2021: October 3, 2021 – another glorious day! The grand opening celebration of the expanded, renovated Capri began with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by tours throughout the day attended by 2,000+ delighted, dazzled people.

Visitors Welcome!

Please call 612-643-2000 to set up a tour of our campus or a conversation with one of our team members, and let us know what you’re most interested in learning about PCYC.

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