Corporate Social Responsibility
Making Education a Force for Good
At Presidio Education®, our approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is grounded in action. We believe that education should empower—not only academically, but also ethically and socially. That’s why we actively encourage our faculty, staff, college interns—and our students and families—to take part in meaningful community service, both locally and abroad.
Whether it’s tutoring underserved youth, supporting sustainability initiatives, or volunteering in educational nonprofits, we urge our teams to dedicate time and creativity toward causes that matter. In fact, unless we’re teaching students, we often prioritize volunteering over office work—because we believe real impact begins with showing up for others.
We also invite students and their families to get involved. Volunteering together strengthens empathy, leadership skills, and global awareness—key qualities for future-ready learners.
Want to make a difference?
Join our Sustainability Team or ask how your family can support our outreach programs. Together, we can turn education into a lifelong tool for positive change.
Volunteering with elderly Hong Kong residents. Source: Rachael Ng, 2023.
Volunteering with elderly Hong Kong residents. Source: Keith Wong, 2023.
Student Volunteers Supporting Hong Kong’s Elderly
Compassion in Action – Rachael and Keith’s Story
In November 2023, Presidio Education® faculty encouraged students to take initiative in serving their local communities. Two high school students from Hong Kong, Rachael Ng and Keith Wong, stepped up with enthusiasm and purpose. After considering ideas like urban farming and waste cleanup, they chose to focus on a group too often overlooked—elderly residents living alone.
They learned that many elderly individuals in Hong Kong lack both financial support and social connection, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their decision to visit seniors in a public housing estate in Cheung Sha Wan turned into something deeply moving—for both the students and the people they met.
My friend Keith and I volunteered at a public housing estate in Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong. We delivered pre-packed fortune bags with food and supplements to elderly people living alone. We couldn’t believe how eagerly they welcomed us into their modest homes and shared their stories. Some had even marked our visit on their calendars—it was the highlight of their week.
— Rachael Ng, High School Student Class of 2025
Beyond the need for basic necessities, loneliness emerged as a recurring theme among the elderly. Rachael and Keith quickly realized that their time and attention were as valuable as the food they delivered.
Through brief conversations—just 15 or 20 minutes—I could see how much it meant to them. Their faces would light up just from having someone to talk to. One couple we met was dealing with serious health issues, and we were able to notify the center to offer more support. It reminded me how simply listening can change someone’s life.
— Keith Wong, High School Student Class of 2025
Their story is just one example of how young people can create meaningful change in their own communities. At Presidio Education®, we believe that student-led service fosters empathy, leadership, and a stronger global outlook.
We hope Rachael and Keith’s experience inspires other students—and their families—to get involved. Even one hour a week can bring joy to someone who feels forgotten.
Interested in volunteering with the elderly or supporting community programs?
Contact our Sustainability Team to learn how you or your student can start making an impact today.
Fighting Food Insecurity—One Bag at a Time
Weekly Volunteer Work in San Francisco Communities
Every week, the Presidio Education® Admin Team volunteers in San Francisco to deliver food to elderly and low-income residents in need. These efforts support a program sponsored by the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services and the SF-Marin Food Bank, which brings large shipments of groceries from Marin County into San Francisco neighborhoods.
Each grocery bag is packed with essentials: frozen chicken, eggs, potatoes, fresh produce, canned goods, and sauces. The bags are often heavy—too heavy for many elderly residents to carry, especially up stairs or long distances. That’s where our team steps in.
This is our community. We grew up in this neighborhood. We know everyone. It’s important that we help each other out. Sometimes it’s really hard for the elderly to go grocery shopping. They’re older and it’s really hard to lift such heavy bags up stairs. Some of our older community members can’t even walk. It’s also harder for the elderly to buy food because of COVID-19. This program provides a lot of fresh food for those who can’t afford it.
— Presidio Education® Admin Team Member
In January 2022, Ryan Young, Founder & CEO of Presidio Education®, joined the team in delivering groceries—a small act with lasting impact. These efforts are especially important given the global rise in food insecurity. According to the United Nations (2022), between 70 and 161 million people worldwide experienced food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—a crisis that continues to affect the elderly, low-income families, and people with disabilities.
At Presidio Education®, we encourage students, families, and supporters to take part in local efforts like these. Volunteering—even just once a week—can help ensure no one is left behind when it comes to basic human needs like food.
Want to support food distribution efforts in your city?
Reach out to our Sustainability Team to learn how to get involved.
Beach Cleanup at Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong with Wayne Man, Presidio Education® Math & Social Science Teacher, and Advanced Placement (AP) students Bobby Li and Daniel Shi. Source: Presidio Education®, 2021.
Student-Led Beach Cleanup in Hong Kong
Marine Conservation Starts with Small Actions
In April 2021, Wayne Man, a Presidio Education® Math & Social Science Teacher, volunteered alongside two of our Advanced Placement (AP) high school students, Bobby Li and Daniel Shi, for a beach cleanup in Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. Despite the pressure of upcoming AP exams, both students carved out time from their intense study schedules to join Wayne for a hands-on environmental effort.
Bobby came prepared, bringing plastic gloves and large garbage bags for the team. Together, they worked through the morning, removing harmful plastic waste from the shoreline.
We use a lot of plastics in our daily lives. We know how useful they are, but most people do not realize how harmful they are to our environment. Within a few hours, Bobby, Daniel and I had filled eight large garbage bags full of litter. A small amount of effort can make a big difference. The students deserve a lot of credit—Bobby for organizing the event, and Daniel for helping out. It’s great to see students take an interest in sustainability projects.
— Wayne Man, Presidio Education® Math & Social Science Teacher
Beaches like Lung Kwu Tan, which are not actively managed by the government, are often hotspots for plastic pollution—a threat to marine life and ecosystems. But as this cleanup showed, even a few dedicated volunteers can make a meaningful impact in just one morning.
At Presidio Education®, we encourage students to lead and participate in local environmental efforts. Beach cleanups are an easy, effective way to protect marine habitats while building awareness and leadership skills.
Want to get involved in your own community cleanup?
Reach out to our Sustainability Team to explore upcoming opportunities.
Supporting Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Early Relief Efforts from Our San Francisco Faculty
In January 2020, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) began to spread rapidly across Asia, Presidio Education® faculty in San Francisco took swift action. Our team began searching for 3M 8511 masks and hand sanitizers to donate to affected communities abroad.
Despite long lines at stores—often starting as early as 5:30 AM—supplies were scarce, and shortages were common. Yet our teachers returned day after day, committed to securing what they could for those in need. This grassroots effort quickly became a top priority for our team.
At Presidio Education®, we believe sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility—it’s also about community resilience and global empathy. Whether supporting public health, advancing education, or helping during crises, we aim to respond with compassion and purpose.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that even small actions—like standing in line for supplies—can create real impact when done with the right intentions.
Want to join us in making a difference during emergencies or beyond?
Contact our Sustainability Team to learn how you can support public health and community relief efforts at home and abroad.
First set of Presidio Education® gift packages filled with 3M 8511 masks and hand sanitizers sent to those impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Asia. Photograph by: English Teacher Martin Nobida, 2020.
Presidio Education® faculty and College Intern teams volunteering at day camp with children with intellectual disabilities from the Po Leung Kuk Yu Lee Mo Fan Memorial School Dormitory at the Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong. Photograph by: Presidio Education®, 2018.
Volunteering with Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Inclusion, Compassion, and Joy in Every Interaction
The Presidio Education® team regularly volunteers with children with intellectual disabilities from the Po Leung Kuk Yu Lee Mo Fan Memorial School Dormitory in Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong. These meaningful outings take place at the Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre in Tsuen Wan, where volunteers and children come together to play, dance, share meals, and most importantly—have fun.
These trips offer the children a rare opportunity to connect with peers in a joyful, inclusive setting. From bus rides filled with laughter to outdoor games and shared meals, the focus is always on building connection and confidence.
A large part of our sustainability mission is to promote inclusivity—especially for children. Volunteering with children with intellectual disabilities is truly heartwarming. All children need compassion and to know that there are people who care about them. Many of us had fortunate childhoods, but not all children receive the same love nor support. There is nothing more heartbreaking than when children are forgotten. We must band together to give back to our communities and support all children with the kindness and compassion they equally deserve.
— Ryan Young, Presidio Education® Founder & CEO
These volunteer days are often humbling, joyful, and unforgettable. The children bring incredible energy, curiosity, and warmth to every moment. Volunteers leave not only with smiles but also with deeper empathy and renewed commitment to creating a more inclusive world.
At Presidio Education®, we strongly believe that every child deserves connection, care, and community support—and we are proud to contribute, learn, and grow through these experiences.
Interested in inclusive volunteering or learning how to better support children with intellectual disabilities?
Contact our Sustainability Team to get involved.
Volunteering with the San Francisco Public Library
Bridging the Digital Divide Through Books and Community
The Presidio Education® team proudly partners with the San Francisco Public Library’s Book Giveaway Program, helping make academic resources more accessible to students in under-resourced communities. Public libraries remain a critical resource for children who may not have reliable access to the Internet, academic tools, or support for research and study.
This initiative holds special meaning for Yunju Chen, Presidio Education® Director of Product Management, who holds a Master of Science in Information Management from the University of Washington. Yunju has long championed the power of accessible education and technology.
For educators, I want to use technology to connect educators and students and make their learning experiences engaging and effective. It’s important for us to focus on the human aspect of technology. Technology is just a tool to help us do our work faster and better. To be successful as a sustainability company, we need to connect different dots and make a full circle. We teach our students not only to succeed academically, but to be responsible members of society. Students must care about people and the environment around them to understand what it means to give back. If we can teach them to build communities, we have great potential to make big impacts.
— Yunju Chen, Presidio Education® Director of Product Management
The reality is that many students still lack access to essential academic resources. It's a misconception that every child owns a smartphone or personal computer. That’s why public libraries play such a vital role—they offer access to print materials, digital research databases, knowledgeable librarians, and safe study spaces for students of all backgrounds.
At Presidio Education®, we believe in supporting programs that help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Our work with local libraries is part of our mission to foster equity in education and empower learners everywhere.
Want to support literacy, technology access, or educational equity in your city?
Contact our Sustainability Team to learn how to get involved with your local library or volunteer program.
Helping impoverished art students at the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Kowloon City Children and Youth Integrated Service Centre in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. From left to right: Wayne Man, Math & Social Science Teacher, Kenley Lou, Social Science Teacher, and Isaac Ng, Data Analytics (College Intern). Photograph by: Presidio Education®, 2018.
Volunteering with Underprivileged Children in Hong Kong
Encouraging Creativity and Confidence Through Art
The Presidio Education® team regularly volunteers with underprivileged children and families at the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Kowloon City Children and Youth Integrated Service Centre in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. Through this outreach, our volunteers help children design and complete creative art projects, giving them space to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others.
We believe education is more than memorization—it’s about fostering imagination and emotional development. Art programs provide underserved children a way to communicate without language, share their ideas visually, and feel proud of what they create.
Helping underprivileged children at the Inside Out workshop is immensely rewarding—but also surprisingly a lot of fun. We build rapport with the children quickly. All it takes is a big smile and a willingness to get involved! Giving back through volunteering, rather than just donating money, allows us to truly connect. Just a few hours can make a big impact on a child’s life.
— Wayne Man, Presidio Education® Math & Social Science Teacher
These workshops also allow volunteers to contribute regardless of language barriers. Many of our team members may not speak local dialects, but kindness, creativity, and presence transcend words. The experience not only benefits the children, but also helps volunteers grow in empathy and cultural understanding.
At Presidio Education®, we’re proud to help create opportunities for all children—especially those who may otherwise be overlooked—to learn, express themselves, and feel seen.
Want to volunteer with art or youth development programs in your community?
Contact our Sustainability Team to learn how you can help bring joy and creativity to a child’s life.
Learning from Local Leaders in Sustainable Agriculture
A Farmer’s Perspective on Climate, Community, and Responsibility
At Presidio Education®, we value collaboration with small business leaders who demonstrate sustainability in action. Scott, a local farmer in Northern California, offers a powerful example of how climate-conscious farming can serve both the environment and the community. His approach blends practical innovation with education, showing how deeply sustainability can be woven into everyday business.
Below, Scott shares his firsthand experience building a farm that prioritizes soil health, water conservation, environmental stewardship, and youth education—all while giving back to the community he calls home.
Meet Scott Pastorino
Proprietor of Pastorino Farms
Half Moon Bay, California, United States
We practice sustainable farming by using crop rotation to maintain healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Instead of discarding unused or aging flowers and plants, we compost them to create natural fertilizer that enriches our land. To reduce waste, we also recycle and reuse old pots, planters, and vases, giving them new life in our growing operations.
We’re committed to reducing pollution and protecting local ecosystems. That’s why we avoid herbicides and pesticides that could leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking supplies. In drought-prone Northern California, water management is especially critical. We train our team to prioritize native plants that thrive with minimal water, and we rely on techniques like cloning and propagation using cuttings, sunflower seeds, and pumpkins to sustain future crops.
But sustainability is about more than just farming—it’s about community strength. We actively collaborate with the city, chamber of commerce, schools, senior centers, and the YMCA to raise awareness about the role of agriculture in addressing climate change and water scarcity. Through agritourism and public education, we offer farm tours and donate flowers, pumpkins, and straw to local charities and schools. Our farm camp invites young people to get hands-on experience—learning how greenhouses work, how plants and animals are cared for, and how much dedication farming truly takes.
We also share our knowledge with fellow farmers, state agencies, and government agriculture departments, because innovation is collective. Staying informed on evolving methods—whether through solar energy, aquaponics, or soil technology—is essential to building a truly sustainable agricultural business.
Most importantly, we aim to teach future generations that protecting the environment is part of being a responsible business owner. We all share this community—and the responsibility to care for it.
Meet Sofia Robles
Former Presidio Education® College Intern, Sustainability Team Captain
Sofia Robles, originally from Burlingame, California, served as a Sustainability Team Captain during her time as a college intern with Presidio Education®. A passionate learner with interests in public health and mathematics, Sofia pursued her studies with a focus on food safety, infectious diseases, and statistical analysis—using data to better understand and solve real-world health issues.
In her leadership role on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, Sofia played an integral part in organizing efforts to allocate essential resources—including food, clothing, hygiene products, and medical supplies—to homeless populations in the Bay Area, particularly in San Francisco and San Jose. She also actively contributed to international initiatives, aiming to address educational inequality for children in impoverished regions, where access to books and reliable Internet remains a serious barrier to learning.
Sofia consistently demonstrated initiative, resilience, and teamwork. Her ability to receive and apply constructive feedback, coupled with a strong sense of social responsibility, made her a respected peer and a dependable contributor to community outreach efforts. She was deeply committed to building trust-based relationships with local and global communities, always striving to make a long-term, sustainable impact.
Her time at Presidio Education® reflected not only her academic strengths but also her growing capacity as a thoughtful leader in health equity and social innovation.