A summer of engagement and connection
It’s been a busy and memorable summer for CYC, brimming with community engagement, cultural enrichment, and youth leadership. From long-standing traditions to exciting new beginnings, we have deepened and celebrated connections in every corner of San Francisco.
YCE celebrates volunteers and longevity
Summer began with our annual Youth for Community Engagement (YCE) Luncheon, a cornerstone event that honors the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. This year for the 52nd annual event, the Far East Cafe buzzed with excitement as over 400 community members, youth volunteers, and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the enduring impact of the YCE program. CYC presented awards to five youth who exemplify the spirit of service that YCE champions:
- Most Outstanding Leadership Award: Haley Zhao, President, Washington High School
- Exceptional Service Award: Weiyu Deng, AASB Leader, Galileo High School
- Outstanding Volunteerism Award: Jackson Lu, AASB Leader, Secretary / Contact, Washington High School
- Most Inspirational Award: Weixian Liang, President, SF International High School
- Student Taking Action Responsibly (STAR): Zhixuan Cai, Vice President, Lincoln High School
Chinatown events hit the right notes
In Chinatown, the Chinatown Summer Festival on Waverly brought the community together through music and arts. Youth participants crafted their own musical instruments and learned traditional Chinese drumming, embracing both creativity and cultural heritage.
Over the course of the summer, CYC was honored to host and welcome the public for cultural and community events at the Rose Pak Station Upper Plaza. And our July Craving Chinatown street festival proved once again to be exceptionally popular, with happy attendees enjoying traditional dishes and beverages from more than 30 local eateries.
Summer (programs) in the city—and beyond
Throughout the summer, CYC educational programs were in full swing, providing weekly learning opportunities for elementary, middle school, and high school aged youth. From science and technology to arts and humanities, our programs were designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Our Job Readiness for English Language Learners workforce development program visited Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in Redwood City for mock interviews and a career panel. Students learned about careers in biology and science and how AI is being used to help find cures for diseases. It was a rewarding and eye-opening day.
Our dragon boat team was also on the move this summer, traveling internationally to Vancouver, where they won first place at the Concord Pacific Dragon Festival, then went on to win again at the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival.
Expanding access in Excelsior
In the Excelsior District, CYC hosted a community luncheon that provided a platform for local organizations to network and share resources. The start of summer also marked the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of the Excelsior Branch Office, underscoring our commitment to strengthening community ties and ensuring access in this vital neighborhood.
Supporting survivors in Bayview
Some of our most memorable and important work in the Bayview this summer focused on healing and support for victims and survivors of violence. Through specialized support groups, CYC offered solace and empowerment, helping individuals reclaim their strength and resilience.
Deepening connection in the Richmond
August marked a significant milestone for CYC and the city with the grand opening of the Richmond Community Hub. This new facility is set to become a beacon of hope and activity in the Richmond District, offering tailored services and programs that enrich lives.
Every month this summer also saw big smiles and big crowds at the first-ever Richmond Night Markets, which brought the neighborhood together for evenings filled with fun, food, and fellowship.
Our work together this summer has been deeply fulfilling. Each event and program builds on our mission to support San Francisco youth and families, creating a city that is inclusive and full of opportunity. We deeply thank our supporters, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and staff who make this work possible.
And as summer winds down, our attention turns to our major annual fall activities, including the start of the school year for our school-based programs, the upcoming Richmond Autumn Moon Festival and Chinatown Night Out, and our annual Halloween street festival on Waverly.
We hope to see you soon.