CCSC May Update
- Charity Cultural Services Center (CCSC)
- May 2
- 7 min read
May Momentum
Another month and we are moving full steam ahead. One of our biggest highlights from last month was seeing our latest CityBuild class graduate. We're so proud of the students and can't wait to see their careers develop.
This month, as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we are recognizing the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to the City and the hard work and resilience they have shown. We are also hosting a Chinese history competition for high schoolers to commemorate the month.
Read more about what we're up to below.
PS - Don't miss your chance to join the next cycle of CityBuild Academy - NOW RECRUITING!
What We're Doing
SFPD Asian & Pacific Islander Forum
We hosted our SFPD Asian & Pacific Islander Forum, and again our culinary students prepared delicious lunch for the attendees. Great to see more folks are coming to support our conversation around safety and policing.
Miss Teen Chinatown Gala
Our team had the honor of attending the Miss Teen Chinatown Scholarship & Charity Gala. It was a vibrant celebration of youth, culture, and community. We were proud to show our support for the incredible teens who participated, each one showcasing confidence, talent, and leadership. A big thank you to the Chinatown Lions Club for organizing such a meaningful event and for their continued dedication to uplifting young people in our community. It was an inspiring evening, and we’re grateful to be part of a network that champions the next generation.
Gordon J. Lau Elementary School
Maker's Faire
We volunteered at Gordon J. Lau Elementary School last Friday to support their Maker's Faire! The students had a great time making things, learning about science and more. Great to be a part of an event that broadens the horizons of youth in our community.
Bodacious Bovines
CCSC recently supported local artists at the Bodacious Bovines exhibition at Marlowe Gallery, helping to spotlight creative talent in our community. Our participation also aligned with the mission of Success Centers, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds who are in need of additional support and resources.
Building History
CCSC was proud to attend the launch event for the nation’s first dedicated Workforce Development and Training Program for LGBT and Allied individuals, held in collaboration with the Nor Cal Carpenters Union and BuildIT. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address projected workforce shortages in the construction industry by expanding access to high-quality training opportunities for historically underrepresented communities.
Speakers included Jay Bradshaw of Nor Cal Carpenters Union, San Francisco Board of Supervisors President, Rafael Mandelman, Peter Tateishi of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California, Emily Cohen of United Contractors (UCON), Lori Dunn-Guion of Swinerton and Nick & Danielle Colina of Anco Iron & Construction.
Coming Up at CCSC
Chinese History Youth Competition
Charity Cultural Services Center is excited to host the sixth Youth Chinese History Competition on May 17, taking place during AAPI Heritage Month. High schoolers will answer questions about Chinese history in written and spoken Chinese. 1st prize $300, second place $200 and third place $100 (all finalists get $50). If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please sign up here.
Community Outreach
Supporting and connecting with people in our community is central to our mission at CCSC. Through outreach, we not only raise awareness of our services but also offer direct support to clients and strengthen partnerships with other local organizations.
Last month, we attended several events, including the City Career Fair at St. Mary's Cathedral and CCSF's 415 Job Fair (pictured above).In May you can find us at the events listed below. We’d love for you to stop by or refer clients or partners who might benefit.
Mayday 2nd Annual Hiring & Resource Affair, May 19, 11-3, One Stop Career Center, 1449 Webster Street
APRI Spring/Summer Job Fair, May 21, 12-3:30, SECC, 1550 Evans Avenue
One Treasure Island Job Fair, May 22, 10-2, Ship Shape Community Center, 850 Avenue I
CityBuild Construction Program
CityBuild Cycle 42 Graduation
We’re proud to celebrate the graduation of our latest CityBuild cohort -- Cycle 42 -- a group of dedicated individuals who have completed 12 weeks of intensive hands-on training in the construction industry. Through their hard work and resilience, these participants have built a strong foundation for successful future careers. CCSC is honored to support them every step of the way, and we look forward to seeing the impact they’ll make across San Francisco as skilled tradespeople and leaders in their communities.
20 Years of CityBuild Celebration
Last month, CCSC attended a special celebration at City Hall honoring the 20th anniversary of the CityBuild program and its impact on residents of San Francisco and beyond. Federal, state and city officials gathered to recognize CityBuild’s success and its important role in the city’s economic recovery. We are proud to have served as a strong service provider alongside Mission Hiring Hall for the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing this partnership with labor unions, the OEWD team and construction employers for many years to come.
CityBuild is Recruiting
If you know a San Francisco resident interested in a career in the construction industry, CityBuild Academy (CBA) can help them take their first step! We recommend attending one of our informative orientations, available both online and in-person, to learn more about CBA, the opportunities available and the application process.
Over 12 weeks, participants will gain:
Hands-on Training in multiple construction disciplines.
Industry-recognized certifications meeting union standards.
Professional Development for a Successful Apprenticeship Journey.
Youth Programs
Summer Camp Enrollment Open
We are now enrolling for our 2025 Summer Camp for rising 1st to 6th graders in San Francisco. The camp runs in three sessions:
Session 1: June 9 – 27 (3 weeks)
Session 2: July 7 – 25 (3 weeks)
Session 3: July 28 – August 8 (2 weeks)
Activities: Weekly field trips, English & Math lessons, P.E. & Art classes, outdoor games
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Early drop-off at 8:30 AM
Aftercare available until 4:30 PM for $50/week
Location & Registration:
Camp Address: 724 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Cost: $100 per week
Sign up: Use the QR code on the flyer or visit bit.ly/ccsc-su25
For more details, contact us at (415) 291-1880 or email fit@sfccsc.org.
FIT Youth Meet the Fire Department
Last month, FIT participants visited a local fire station for an exciting field trip where they got a firsthand look at the daily operations of a working fire station. Students toured the facilities, learned about the specialized equipment and vehicles used in firefighting and emergency response. They also heard personal career stories from the firefighters and staff. This unique experience gave students a deeper understanding of public service careers, the skills needed to succeed in these roles and the important role firefighters play in keeping communities safe.
FIT Youth Volunteer at DogFest
FIT youth volunteered at Dog Fest 2025 last month. This is a dog festival fundraiser supporting McKinley Elementary School. Our volunteers supported this fun community event by assisting with carnival games alongside fellow FIT program members.
Family in Transition (FIT)
Family in Transition (FIT) is a cultural and identity program designed for AAPI students, though it's open to all San Francisco high school students. Through monthly workshops and volunteer opportunities, students gain confidence, learn about diverse cultures and enhance their college and career readiness. The program helps them develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging within the community.
PK5 Tutoring
PK5 Tutoring is a virtual English tutoring program for PK-5th grade students, led by high school youth. It helps elementary school students in underserved communities enhance their reading and comprehension skills.
We’re seeking high school youth passionate about supporting these students to lead the next generation of this impactful program. For more details on available positions, visit: bit.ly/leadccsc.
If you have PK5 students in need of tutoring, please reach out to us at info@sfccsc.org.
Culinary Programs
Culinary Classes Open for Enrollment
Our classes in cooking, bartending/barista and hospitality are open for enrollment! No prior industry experience is necessary. Get more information on our job training and placement programs in the information flyer below. If you know someone who is interested in signing up, please use our interest form.
Community Announcements
AAPI Heritage Month
San Francisco is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in May with a variety of cultural events. Check out Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month's site for a schedule of events in San Francisco. There is also the Our Heritage 5K fun run, which starts in Japantown and ends in Chinatown, and the United States of Asian America Festival. Additionally, there will be an AAPI Fest in Daly City. There are plenty of other events going on in the Bay Area, so definitely get to googling if you're looking for more!
Lupus & You Conference
The 2025 Lupus & You™ Empowerment Conference will take place in San Francisco on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center. Learn more about lupus including updates on research, disease management and ways to support advocacy and awareness efforts. The program will feature presentations from health and wellness professionals along with a panel of lupus warriors. For more information or help with registration, contact Sarah Neighbors at neighbors@lupus.org.
SFUSD Student Advisory Council
Are you (or someone you know) a SFUSD High School Student? Want to get involved district wide, gain leadership experience and meet new people? Join the 2025-2026 SAC cohort!
Make sure to submit your SAC application by Sunday, May 11th at 11:59pm! NOTE: you must be signed into your SFUSD school email to access the application. Apply here for the 2025/26 SFYUSD Student Advisory Council!
Chinatown Pride
Celebrate queer joy and resilience on May 24th at Chinatown Pride 2025 in San Francisco’s Chinatown, co-presented by the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (CCC) and Edge on the Square. With this year’s theme “We Are Immortal!”, the evening kicks off with a lively Pride Procession through historic sites followed by art, performances and a Silent Disco on the iconic pedestrian bridge. Enjoy the Immortal Runway, screen print limited-edition posters and dance across multiple DJ channels. All programs are free and open to the public except for the Silent Disco (tickets $20+). This powerful night of celebration marks the beginning of QTAPI Week. Get more info here.
Visit Our Website!
Our new website has been completed for a few months now, but if you haven't seen it yet, take a look! The site is ADA compliant and available in both English and Chinese. You can see details about our programs, get to know our team and even learn a bit about our 41 year history.
Make a Contribution
Since 1983, we have helped thousands of youths, adults, and their families by giving them an opportunity to change their lives. We are empowering underserved and underprivileged communities to become self-sufficient through education, training, mentoring, case management, and job placement.
With your help, CCSC is able to continue to nurture and enrich the lives of the residents of San Francisco. Your generosity and support can make all the difference. Please donate today!
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