From science labs to basketball courts, terrarium-making to college tours — Apex for Youth filled NYC with creativity, connection, and discovery this spring break.
By Ashley Ye | May 6, 2025
Apex for Youth’s spring break programs are designed to give Asian American youth from underserved communities access to hands-on experiences that inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster connection. By offering safe, supportive spaces outside of the classroom, Apex empowers students to explore new interests, develop a stronger sense of self, and feel a deeper sense of belonging.
Students across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan enjoyed a range of exciting programs. Elementary students in Brooklyn explored collage-making, stained glass art, rock climbing, and terrarium-making, while Manhattan students learned podcasting, storytelling, and interviewing at P&T Knitwear. Middle schoolers participated in microbial painting, cooking classes, and a park beautification project, creating personalized plant terrariums. Additionally, the Apex Athletics program hosted eight basketball clinics focused on skill-building, teamwork, and confidence. These activities provided a fun and enriching way for students to express themselves, engage with their peers, and stay active during the break.
Families came together for a joyful morning of storytelling through quilt-making and theatre workshops. With each stitch and story, parents and children connected through shared experiences — expressing their identities, celebrating their roots, and building community through creativity and laughter.
Our high school students solved escape rooms, played games, and participated in bonding activities through our Career Access Program. Meanwhile, others visited Babson, Northeastern, and Clark University on our multi-day college trip — broadening their horizons and envisioning what’s next. Career exploration continued with a Chinatown Career Panel, providing valuable insights into career paths of small business owners.
April is National Volunteer Month — the perfect time to celebrate the impact of volunteers uplifting their communities.
This month, we hosted two exciting volunteer socials to recruit new volunteers to join the Apex family. In Brooklyn, volunteers came together at Movement Gowanus with Asian Climbing Tribe for a day of climbing and connection. In Queens, volunteers enjoyed trivia and local coffee at ELM Roastery, building relationships and learning how they can make a lasting impact with Apex for Youth. Want to join the next social volunteer events? Check out our Event pages
🌟 National Volunteer Week Spotlight
At Apex, mentorship changes lives and Stephanie’s story shows just how powerful it can be. Watch here!
We’re also launching the Apex Ambassador Program, running through June 30, 2025, to grow our incredible volunteer community. As an Ambassador, you’ll help recruit friends and expand our network of mentors making a difference.
📅 Priority deadline: May 31
✨ Join Us
Apex is recruiting volunteers for programs supporting Asian American youth (ages 5–24) across NYC and online. Be part of a 1,000+ strong community making a difference.
Join us on Sunset Park’s historic 8th Ave for an afternoon of delicious bites, neighborhood exploration, and getting to know the Apex volunteer community. Connect with fellow foodies and learn about getting involved with Apex for Youth!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
As we move into May, Apex for Youth is excited to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be honoring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of the AAPI community through special events, workshops, and storytelling initiatives across our programs. From youth-led projects to community celebrations, our students will have opportunities to explore their identities, uplift their voices, and connect with role models who reflect their heritage. Stay tuned as we spotlight the resilience, creativity, and leadership within our community — this month and every month.
We celebrated AAPI heritage month out with Barbie collaboration with more role models, more representation in toys, and more community building!
📌 National Virtual Mentorship Program (NVMP) Info Session
The Apex National Virtual Mentorship Program for High School is now open
Current 8th–11th grade students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community organizations are invited to learn about NVMP. We’ll cover program benefits, the mentor-mentee matching process, year-round programming (including a summer retreat in NYC), and testimonials from current participants. The session will conclude with a preview of the application, due May 31st, and a Q&A.
Know any Asian American high school youth that might be interested: Please share this attached flyer.
🔗 Register here: NVMP Info Session
Tickets are available for Apex for Aces Casino Night!
The Apex for Youth Associate Board would like to formally invite you to the 14th Annual Aces for Apex Casino Night on Saturday, July 26th hosted at Skylight at The Refinery inside the Domino Sugar Factory.
Tickets are available here:
Follow us on Instagram @apex.associateboard to stay in touch. We hope to see you there!
What an unforgettable evening of generosity and celebration last week at our 33rd Inspiration Awards Gala at Cipriani South Street! The celebration raised an impressive $3.1 million for Asian American youth from low-income backgrounds.
Apex for Youth’s College Access Program empowers first-generation students through immersive college tours, making higher education more accessible — join us by donating, volunteering, or partnering today!
