Jennifer Zhang
Jennifer has been a dedicated team member of Community Youth Center (CYC) for 13 years. Starting as a program leader for the Sunset Summer Camp and Garfield Elementary School, she supervised and planned lessons for groups of 20 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. Today, Jennifer serves as the Program Manager for elementary school afterschool and summer programs, where she designs academic and enrichment programs, supports students and families, and cultivates strong teams by developing lessons, conducting staff check-ins, and leading training sessions for professional growth.
As a San Francisco native and the child of an immigrant family, Jennifer is deeply connected to the community she serves. She is inspired by the support CYC provides for students and their families, ensuring they have access to resources that help them succeed academically and connect with their communities. Jennifer works closely with families across diverse neighborhoods, including Mission, Chinatown, North Beach, and the Tenderloin, tailoring programs to meet their unique needs.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Child Development, Asian American Studies, and Chinese from the University of San Francisco (USF). She also earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling, equipping her with the skills to understand and address the needs of students and families. Her academic background, combined with her early experience as a youth leader facilitating life skills and workforce workshops for high school students, provides her with a comprehensive approach to education and community engagement.
For Jennifer, the most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing students grow and later return to give back to their community as volunteers. Witnessing their transformation and dedication to helping others fuels her passion for her role at CYC. Jennifer is committed to creating a supportive, enriching environment where students and families can thrive.