Mission & History

Our mission is to encourage a diverse population of high-need young people to explore their full potential through academic, career, family, and community life.

1970s

Rooted in the community
CYC was established in 1970 to address the problems of juvenile delinquency and gang violence in San Francisco’s Chinatown by providing young men with alternatives and access to legitimate means to achieve their aspirations and independence.

Rooted in the community
CYC was established in 1970 to address the problems of juvenile delinquency and gang violence in San Francisco’s Chinatown by providing young men with alternatives and access to legitimate means to achieve their aspirations and independence.

Deepening our impact
CYC grew its case management services and support network, gaining a unique local reputation for its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth services. Responding to an increase in overdose cases among AAPI youth, CYC implemented a drug education and prevention program in 1976.

Deepening our impact
CYC grew its case management services and support network, gaining a unique local reputation for its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth services. Responding to an increase in overdose cases among AAPI youth, CYC implemented a drug education and prevention program in 1976.

1980s

Leading change
In 1987, CYC lobbied to have Federal Office of Substance Abuse Prevention fund the Asian Youth Abuse Program, a multiethnic AAPI consortium dealing with substance abuse in our communities.

Leading change
In 1987, CYC lobbied to have Federal Office of Substance Abuse Prevention fund the Asian Youth Abuse Program, a multiethnic AAPI consortium dealing with substance abuse in our communities.

1990s

Creating pathways
Recognizing the need to provide an alternative to delinquent activities for adolescents, CYC added an employment component in 1991 when it merged with Directions, a city-wide job readiness training and youth employment program. CYC also established its first presence in the Richmond District.

Creating pathways
Recognizing the need to provide an alternative to delinquent activities for adolescents, CYC added an employment component in 1991 when it merged with Directions, a city-wide job readiness training and youth employment program. CYC also established its first presence in the Richmond District.

2000s

Building the future
In 2000, CYC partnered with Boston’s Museum of Science to start the Computer Clubhouse where students could gather after school to work on projects with state-of-the-art technology and receive technology training.

Building the future
In 2000, CYC partnered with Boston’s Museum of Science to start the Computer Clubhouse where students could gather after school to work on projects with state-of-the-art technology and receive technology training.

Branching out
In 2007, thanks to the help and support of the community and dedicated individuals, CYC realized its dream of owning its own building when it acquired 1038 Post Street.

Branching out
In 2007, thanks to the help and support of the community and dedicated individuals, CYC realized its dream of owning its own building when it acquired 1038 Post Street.

2010s

Reaching further
In September 2011, CYC opened its branch office in the Bayview-Hunters Point to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the neighborhood’s AAPI population.

Reaching further
In September 2011, CYC opened its branch office in the Bayview-Hunters Point to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the neighborhood’s AAPI population.

Building bridges
Through its new Bayview Youth Advocates Program, CYC seeks to raise awareness and promote racial harmony, understanding, and respect among the neighborhood’s AAPI, African American, and Latinx residents.

Building bridges
Through its new Bayview Youth Advocates Program, CYC seeks to raise awareness and promote racial harmony, understanding, and respect among the neighborhood’s AAPI, African American, and Latinx residents.

2020s

Celebrating our past and future
In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, CYC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a renewed and evergreen commitment to supporting youth leadership, creativity, and potential.

Celebrating our past and future
In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, CYC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a renewed and evergreen commitment to supporting youth leadership, creativity, and potential.

Continuing our citywide impact
Today, CYC serves a diverse population of over 8,000 youth and families citywide, and continues to respond to the complex hardships and challenges faced by youth.

Continuing our citywide impact
Today, CYC serves a diverse population of over 8,000 youth and families citywide, and continues to respond to the complex hardships and challenges faced by youth.

Supporting youth and families
CYC’s many programs today cover Health and Wellness, Education and Workforce Development, and Community Engagement.

Supporting youth and families
CYC’s many programs today cover Health and Wellness, Education and Workforce Development, and Community Engagement.

Deepening connection
In 2021, CYC announced a campaign for our new Richmond Community Hub that expands education and employment opportunities to young people, low-income adults, and older adults in the Richmond. And in 2023, CYC opened a new branch office in Excelsior, providing linguistically and culturally attuned services to the community.

Deepening connection
In 2021, CYC announced a campaign for our new Richmond Community Hub that expands education and employment opportunities to young people, low-income adults, and older adults in the Richmond. And in 2023, CYC opened a new branch office in Excelsior, providing linguistically and culturally attuned services to the community.