March at Apex for Youth was filled with learning, mentorship, and community engagement! From career exploration to game design and family nights, see how we empowered Asian American youth this month.
By Ashley Ye | April 6 2025
March was a month of action at Apex for Youth! Across New York City, our youth, volunteers, and staff came together for mentorship, career exploration, creative learning, and athletic achievements.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the past month:
College & Career Exploration: 11th & 12th Grade Highlights
At Apex, we’re committed to guiding high school students through the college and career process. Our 11th and 12th graders took part in hands-on activities designed to help them plan for their futures:
11th Grade: Students participated in a “This or That” activity to determine their ideal college environment—considering factors like class size, campus vibes, and academic focus. They then created vision boards to visualize their next steps after high school.
12th Grade: Back by popular demand, our “Hot Seat” session allowed seniors to ask guides about college, career paths, and life experiences. With graduation on the horizon, this open Q&A gave students the insights they need to navigate their next chapter.
Career Connection Program Launch:
In March, Apex for Youth launched Career Connections, a new initiative designed to support our alumni as they navigate the transition from college to career. This program provides one-on-one mentorship, industry panels, resume workshops, and networking opportunities, ensuring that first-generation college students and those without established networks have the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Through tailored mentorship and hands-on career support, Career Connections is empowering young professionals to step into their careers with confidence.
Read more here!
Game Expo: Hands-On Learning With Game Designers
Game design meets mentorship! Middle and high school students at our Game Expo Community Corner had the opportunity to test new games, learn from professional game designers, and even try their hand at game creation.
With special guests like Pariah Interactive, Blabbi, and Tony Lao, youth explored the world of game development through:
This event blended technology, creativity, and career exposure, showing youth the exciting possibilities in the gaming industry.
Elementary Family Night: Planning for a Summer of Learning & Fun
This month’s family night focused on helping families plan an engaging and enriching summer for their children. Parents reflected on their own childhood summer experiences while exploring resources to start planning for their kids, while children shared their thoughts on summer and built sandcastles out of model magic.
Families learned about the importance of summer engagement, reflected on different activities for youth, explored available summer resources and opportunities, and drafted a personalized summer plan.
Why is summer planning important? Staying active, learning, and exploring new interests during the summer helps kids stay engaged and prepared for the school year ahead.
Apex Runners Raise $33,308 in the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon
Our 2025 United Airlines NYC Half runners raised an incredible $33,308 for Apex for Youth, supporting our mission to empower Asian American youth. Shoutout to our Apex staff Beau Dorien and Isabelle Li Shen St. Clair for going the distance—both on the course and in their commitment to our community!
A huge thank you to our dedicated runners: Arturo Rojas, Belicia Tan, Christina Cheng, Christina Ho, David Li, David Mao, Dipali Dave, Francy Flores, Assembly Member Grace Lee, Hannah Kang, Janet Lee, Jessica Kaisaris, Justin Eng, Julianne Willey, Karishma Tank, Max Liu, Michelle Moon, Norman Zhang, Rodman Ngo, Sonia Tran, Stephanie Yim, Tejas Kashyap, and Tiffany Soohoo—your commitment and effort make a lasting impact on the community!
Elementary Explorers: Engaging with Community & Creativity
Our elementary students connected with their communities through hands-on experiences:
April 10: 33rd Annual Inspiration Awards Gala
We are so excited to celebrate our honorees Suni Lee and Joan Shikekawa, two leaders who embody resilience, representation, and the fearless spirit of our community.
Volunteer Socials in Queens & Brooklyn
Meet fellow volunteers, engage in fun activities, and learn more about getting involved with Apex for Youth!
National Virtual Mentorship Program (NVMP) Info Session
8th–11th graders and their families are invited to learn more about Apex’s year-round virtual mentorship program, featuring a summer retreat in NYC!
RSVP Here!
Volunteer Recruitment Info Session
Want to make a difference? Attend our virtual session to explore volunteer opportunities across Apex programs!
RSVP Here!
Get ready for July 26: Aces for Apex Casino Night
Mark your calendars for our annual Associate Board gala, a night of celebration and fundraising at Skylight at The Refinery inside the Domino Sugar Factory!
Tickets will go live later this month. Follow us on Instagram @apex.associateboard to stay in touch. We hope to see you there!
March was a month of growth, exploration, and achievement at Apex for Youth. Whether through mentorship, creative learning, or community engagement, we’re proud to empower Asian American youth to unlock their full potential.
👉 Want to get involved? Learn more at https://apexforyouth.org/
Apex for Youth’s Career Connections Program helps alumni bridge the gap from college to career with mentorship, industry panels, and networking opportunities.
On February 5, 2025, Tatcha Global Director of Artistry Daniel Martin and ELLE Beauty Director Kathleen Hou hosted a private dinner to celebrate Lunar New Year at Phoenix Palace in Chinatown, NYC. AAPI founders, executives and allies from the beauty, fashion, media and entertainment industries welcomed the Year of the Snake with family-style Cantonese cuisine in a moody, cinematographic setting.
