By Ashley Ye | February 7, 2025
Virtual mentoring is not just a convenient option—it’s a powerful tool for transforming lives. In fact, 87% of mentees report feeling more confident and empowered after participating in virtual mentorship. This shows just how impactful these connections can be. (Source: Moving Ahead)
A virtual mentorship program connects mentors and mentees through mentoring platforms, allowing them to establish meaningful mentoring relationships online. This format offers young people the opportunity to receive guidance from volunteer mentors without geographical limitations, making it easier to access role models and professionals across the United States and beyond.
In a virtual mentoring setup, mentors—experienced individuals who often serve as role models in their fields—offer guidance on topics ranging from money management and financial literacy to mental health and real-life skills. These mentoring programs are designed to support youth mentoring, especially for young people who may not have easy access to in-person support. Through online mentoring, mentees can engage in video calls, chat sessions, and shared projects that help them grow personally and academically.
Many mentoring programs target specific populations who are underserved and provide mentoring based on specific needs. Apex for Youth’s NVMP program serves Asian American, low-income, and immigrant youth throughout the United States and provides mentees with Asian American mentors hailing from many backgrounds with varied experiences and perspectives. Our monthly group workshops and curriculum are culturally relevant, focusing on Asian American issues such as building positive self-identity, community and networks, mental health supports, and supporting first-generation students in their college and career success.
For parents or guardians seeking opportunities for their children, these programs often provide reassurance with background checks on mentors to ensure safety and reliability. Program staff help match mentors and mentees, ensuring they are paired based on interests, goals, and personality, so both parties can engage in productive and fulfilling mentoring relationships.
A strong focus of these virtual mentoring programs is to teach financial education and money management, helping mentees gain crucial knowledge in financial literacy—skills they can carry into adulthood. In addition to career and academic development, these programs often emphasize mental health, self-esteem, and confidence building, giving youth a well-rounded support system.
Increased Access to Mentors: Virtual platforms eliminate geographical barriers, allowing young people to connect with mentors from anywhere. This increases the diversity of potential mentors, offering youth perspectives and advice from professionals across different industries, backgrounds, and regions.
Flexibility and Convenience: Virtual mentoring provides flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for both mentors and mentees to participate without the constraints of travel or conflicting commitments. This is particularly beneficial for youth with busy schedules, such as those balancing school, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities.
Long-Term Impact: Virtual mentoring often offers a sustained relationship over time, where mentors and mentees can engage more frequently and meaningfully, leading to stronger personal and academic growth. The mentors at Apex for Youth, for example, commit to at least two years with their mentees, with many continuing with their mentees through their high school graduation!
We find that the most successful mentees in our National Virtual Mentorship Program (NVMP) are ones who want mentorship and are willing to build a relationship with a trusted adult over time. This relationship not only benefits youth but our mentors as well, who are often inspired by their mentees to chase their own goals and dreams.
Virtual mentorship, though, can be hard online, but planning ahead can make all the difference.
Strategies for Mentoring Teens Virtually
Incorporate Interactive and Fun Activities: Creative exercises like goal-setting, virtual games, and personal story-sharing, along with casual conversations about hobbies and passions, helps engage teens.
While mentoring relationships can be successful virtually, we find it is helpful to meet sometimes in person. That is why Apex for Youth’s National Virtual Mentorship Program (NVMP) holds an annual summer weekend retreat in New York City, for mentees and mentors to get to know one another in person. This NVMP summer retreat is free for low-income mentees and subsidized for all other participants.
Finding a mentor online doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. Many organizations and platforms offer free mentorship programs to help guide you on your academic, career, and personal journey. Here’s how you can start:
Launched in January 2023, Apex for Youth’s National Virtual Mentoring Program (NVMP) connects high school students from low-income Asian and immigrant backgrounds across the U.S. with mentors who provide guidance and support for at least two years. Through monthly virtual workshops, mentees have the opportunity to build a supportive community, explore their identity, and receive tailored advice on topics like academics, career planning, and mental health.
In addition to regular mentorship, mentees also gain access to exclusive opportunities, such as an in-person summer retreat at Apex’s NYC headquarters, college scholarships, and resources from Apex’s College and Career Success and Mental Health departments.
“One thing that I tell new mentors is that I was inspired to sign up for [the National Virtual Mentoring Program] because I wanted to support my mentee’s growth not just academically, but emotionally as well. I believe that having a support system that is trustworthy and empathetic is crucial in one’s self development..”
– My Hoang, Apex for Youth Mentor
Since 1992, Apex for Youth’s NYC-based mentoring programs have demonstrated the power of culturally competent mentorship, helping Asian American youth thrive. NVMP extends this mission nationally, ensuring that young people everywhere can benefit from mentorship that truly understands their experiences.
Through impactful panels, creative activities, and community collaboration, this annual event empowers youth to embrace mental health awareness, resilience, and the strength of community.
Reflecting on a year of transformation, mentorship, and community as we honor the milestones, growth, and lasting relationships that have made 2024 unforgettable.
