Centering youth, strengthening community: A look back at 2024–25
At CYC, we know that when young people feel safe, seen, and supported, they begin to thrive. Creating those conditions isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a daily, steady commitment. That’s why we’ve spent more than five decades doing what we do best: showing up for youth, centering their voices, and creating spaces where they can grow with confidence and care.
Looking back, that consistency is what has made our work so impactful. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, youth across San Francisco stepped into leadership, explored their identities, developed new skills, and built stronger ties with their communities through CYC programs. Youth led workshops, organized events, prepared for work, and took charge of their well-being. Across our Health and Wellness, Enrichment and Advancement, and Community Engagement programs, we remained focused on one goal: helping youth thrive in ways that reflect who they are and where they come from. The highlights below offer a glimpse into the work—and the impact—we’ve seen across the city this year.
Creating space for wellness and growth
In Health and Wellness, we’ve offered trusted, culturally responsive care that meets youth where they are—honoring their experiences and helping them navigate life’s challenges. Our Behavioral Health and Intervention programs provide youth ages 11 to 24 with counseling, case management, and crisis support.
In addition to our mental health services, we also provided hands-on learning opportunities that helped students build healthy habits and understand their anatomy. At Garfield Elementary, students participated in the UCSF Little White Coats program, where they learned about the human body and how the heart works. At Moscone and through the CYC Redding afterschool program, first and second graders explored hygiene and nutrition by sampling healthy snacks and learning about the benefits of everyday choices. These programs encouraged curiosity and gave youth a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.
Building skills for work and life
In our Enrichment and Advancement programs, we’ve continued to support young people in building skills, growing their confidence, and preparing for their next steps. For some, that meant developing leadership and perseverance through sports. The Dragon Boat team, San Francisco’s only community-based high school team, brought youth together to train in fitness, coordination, and strategy while competing at national and international levels. The Table Tennis program engaged middle and high school students in regular practice and weekly matches, with coaches emphasizing teamwork, focus, and sportsmanship. These programs help youth stay active while strengthening their confidence and sense of connection.
Just as sports programs helped youth build confidence and discipline, career readiness programs gave them practical tools to take those strengths into their futures. Our workforce development programs supported hundreds of youth as they explored their interests and built the tools they need for life after high school. Participants practiced writing resumes and cover letters, learned time management strategies, and prepared for interviews with support from staff and mentors. During the summer, more than 300 students participated in MYEEP, where they gained hands-on experience through internships and job training that introduced them to the working world.
Youth taking action on justice and identity
Through our Community Engagement programs, we’ve built strong relationships across neighborhoods, helping youth become leaders and bridge-builders. This year, that commitment came to life through our youth-led social justice initiatives. In the Racial Justice Cohort (RJC), 36 students from three San Francisco public high schools explored key social justice issues. They created and distributed resource cards on urgent topics, such as femicide, youth violence, and homelessness, at a school-based learning expo that encouraged peer-to-peer education and community dialogue.
Youth in the Young Asian Women Against Violence (YAWAV) program led 41 workshops for middle and high school students on gender identity, healthy relationships, and body image. Meanwhile, the Clementine Collective created space for queer and trans youth to explore identity and expression. Eleven youth leaders also developed and shared educational materials on topics like pinkwashing, queer media, and ballroom culture. Across all three programs, youth took the lead in sparking critical conversations and shaping more inclusive school environments.
Looking ahead
As we look ahead to summer, a season full of energy, connection, and possibility, we are reminded that what our youth need most is not something new. They need what they have always needed: safe spaces, caring adults, and the chance to show up as their full selves. At CYC, we are committed to continuing the work with steadiness and heart because when we stay rooted in what matters, our youth flourish.
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