VOLUNTEER FOR OUR
ELEMENTARY YOUTH

ATTENTION: Prospective Volunteer? Come chat with our staff and have your volunteer questions answered at our volunteer recruitment events! RSVP Here >

Volunteer Events

APPLY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Fill out the form below to receive your application link via email.

Volunteer Sign Up

Note: The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. That’s as long as it takes to order a cup of coffee!

Disclaimer: By submitting this form, you consent to receive communications from our program staff. These may include updates, program information, and event invitations.

OUR IMPACT

97%

of youth had a positive relationship with their volunteer(s).

95%

of families said their child in the Elementary Explorers program became better at sharing ideas and interests.

92%

of youth learned more about their community and how to give back.

EXPLORE PROGRAMS
TAILORED FOR YOUTH

Our Elementary Programs (K-5th grade) help young students build social skills, explore new interests, and develop a sense of belonging through group mentoring, hands-on activities, and community experiences.

Not sure which program fits you best? Explore our options below.

Read with Apex (K-2nd Grader)

Volunteer opportunities for elementary students, Apex Elementary, volunteers needed, apex youth, volunteer sign up

Volunteers help young students develop a love for reading and storytelling by guiding small group activities that explore identity and community.

What You’ll Do

  • Read age-appropriate books to students each session.
  • With other volunteers, lead hands-on arts and crafts activities based on story themes. 
  • Foster strong relationships between students and create group community.

Location

  • Virtual: Serves K-2nd grade students
  • In-person: Serves 1st-2nd grade in Chinatown, Manhattan

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Age 14+
  • Attend training and commit to 75% of sessions

Schedule: October – May (18 Saturday Morning sessions)

Explorers (3rd - 5th Grade)

Volunteer opportunities for elementary students, Apex Elementary, volunteers needed, apex youth, volunteer sign up

Volunteers help students develop confidence, curiosity, and teamwork through hands-on activities and cultural exploration.

What You’ll Do

  • Support students in hands-on workshops designed to foster identity and community-mindedness (e.g., park clean-ups, self-portrait painting, group challenges).
  • Help facilitate engaging workshops led by Apex staff.
  • Collaborate with fellow volunteers to support small student groups, foster strong relationships, and create group community.

Location

  • Chinatown (Manhattan), Sunset Park (Brooklyn), and Flushing (Queens)

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Age 14+
  • Attend training and commit to 75% of sessions

Schedule: October – May (18 Saturday Morning sessions)

Basketball is central to our Elementary school programming. Through structured team practices, competitive play, and our signature We Run As One (WRAO) Tournament, youth sharpen their skills while building strong relationships with dedicated volunteer coaches. Players grow in confidence, leadership, teamwork, and resilience — on and off the court.

Requirement & Eligibility:

  • Age 16+
  • Attend at least 80% of sessions (2 hours each) during the program year.
  • For We Run As One: one session/week from July – August.
Volunteer opportunities for elementary students, Apex Elementary, volunteers needed, apex youth, volunteer sign up

BASKETBALL

OCTOBER – MAY

Activities: Drills, games, and skill-building exercises focused on teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Age Group: 3rd to 5th grade

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan), Sunset Park (Brooklyn), Flushing (Queens)

YOGA

OCTOBER – MAY

Activities: Guided yoga flow, meditation and reflection activities to promote physical and emotional resilience.

Age Group: 3rd to 5th grade

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan), Sunset Park (Brooklyn)

Volunteer opportunities for elementary students, Apex Elementary, volunteers needed, apex youth, volunteer sign up

WE RUN AS ONE

SUMMER PROGRAM ONLY

Activities: Volunteer as a coach or assist during games, help with scorekeeping, and manage team rotations. This is a summer basketball league designed to foster teamwork and leadership.

Age Group: 4th to 5th grade

Location: Stanton Street Courts at the Lower East Side 

Volunteer opportunities for elementary students, Apex Elementary, volunteers needed, apex youth, volunteer sign up

VOLLEYBALL & RUNNING

SUMMER PROGRAMS ONLY

Activities: Lead skill-building drills, group activities, and games focused on volleyball fundamentals and running fitness.

Age Group: 6th to 12th grade

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan)

APPLICATION TIMELINE
& PROCESS

KEY DATES

  • June: Interview Invites Sent Out 
  • July: Interviews Held
  • August: Final Confirmations & site sign-ups

JOIN OUR SOCIAL EVENTS

MISSED OUR VIRTUAL INFO SESSION?

CHECK OUT OUR INFO PRESENTATION HERE

ATTENTION: Prospective Volunteer? Come chat with our staff and have your volunteer questions answered in our virtual info sessions!

TESTIMONIALS

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