Apex summer internships empower first-generation and low-income Asian American youth in New York City with career-launching opportunities
By Valerie DeNigris
As we wrap up another remarkable season of summer internships with our JT Tai & Co. Foundation high school interns and through the Summer Career Exploration Program (SCEP) internships, we’re filled with pride seeing the incredible impact on our first-generation and low-income Asian American youth. From career discoveries to lifelong connections, our interns have grown in ways that will shape their futures for years to come.
This year, we’re thrilled to have served 15 high school and 20 college youth through our summer internships, providing them with paid opportunities that open doors to new career pathways. Our interns have explored industries ranging from technology to fashion, gaining invaluable experience and building professional networks that will support them long after graduation.
“This event is an incredible way to display the culmination of a summer full of our interns’ having the opportunity to be curious, build skills, and meet such a range of professionals. When they talk about their summer they exude confidence and are so excited about the projects they completed and the lessons they took away from their times with their internship sites.
– Assumpta Galang, Associate Director of College and Career Success
At our summer internship final presentation, interns, mentors, and staff came together to celebrate the bonds they’ve formed and the goals they’ve accomplished. The event was filled with heartwarming moments as students shared their experiences.
“I learned how to be a better co-worker and be in an environment where I have to maintain professionality in person. Apex taught me how to be a better communicator, better worker, and better time manager.”
– Jason W., who interned with the Operations team at Apex for Youth
Studies by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) have highlighted a significant disparity in internship participation: First-generation college students are underrepresented in those who participate in internships, especially paid internship opportunities. This gap can have lasting effects on career prospects and professional development, potentially perpetuating cycles of economic inequality.
The Student Career Exploration Program internships and JT Tai high school internships aim to level the playing field by offering:
Participation in the SCEP Internship program yields significant benefits:
Apex for Youth College and Career Success programs extend its support beyond internships, offering a comprehensive approach to career development:
By supporting and volunteering for programs like SCEP, we can work towards a more equitable future where all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.
We’re grateful to our generous donors and the JT Tai & Co. Foundation for their support in making these opportunities possible. We also extend our gratitude to the volunteer mentors from the following organizations who provided invaluable support throughout the summer: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Apex for Youth, Becca Management, Blue Earth Capital, Chinatown Photo Album, CACF, Chyron, Extreme Kids & Crew, Firetech NY, Kalder, Hachette Book Group, Huga Collective, iHeartMedia, Kramer Levin, Make Us Visible, Reading Partners, Restore NYC, REIDD, Sage & Saber, Sang Coffee, SEO, Spotify, Sugary, Sunset Park BID, UA3, and WAC Lighting.
We invite you to be part of this important initiative. Whether you’re a student looking to participate, a professional interested in mentoring, or an organization wanting to support our mission, your involvement can make a significant difference.
For more information on how to get involved or to support Apex’s College and Career Success programs, please see more here.
Highlights from our annual Closing Days, Graduation and Scholarship Lunch, Volunteer Appreciation Boat Cruise, Mentoring projects, and so much more!
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