{"id":18353,"date":"2024-10-15T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T11:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apexforyouth.org\/?page_id=18353"},"modified":"2025-10-08T13:48:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T17:48:05","slug":"fy25-opening-day","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/apexforyouth.org\/bn\/news-and-announcements\/fy25-opening-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Apex for Youth Celebrates its Largest Opening Day, Welcoming More Than 300 Youth and Volunteers!"},"content":{"rendered":"
Held annually, Opening Day sets the tone for the year, bringing together both new and returning mentors and mentees for a day of fun, bonding, and shared experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As we enter the new semester, Apex kickstarted its Manhattan and Brooklyn school year programming in Sunset Park where staff, volunteers, and youth gather for a day of games, activities, and icebreakers. Opening Day serves as the cornerstone of our mentoring program. It helps mentors and mentees break the ice, build trust, and lay the foundation for a year of growth. It’s also a crucial moment to reconnect with the mission of Apex\u2014to provide guidance and support to the next generation of tomorrow\u2019s change makers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With more than 113 new pairs matched this year, this day holds particular significance for new mentors and mentees as they meet for the first time and bond over shared interests. For returning pairs, it was all about reconnecting, sharing stories from their summer break, and meeting new people. With more than 324 youth and volunteers attending in person \u2014 making this year\u2019s Opening Day the largest in Apex history \u2014 the day marked a major milestone in building a stronger, more connected community, both in person and virtually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cWe\u2019ve seen youth who get matched in 6th grade and stay with that same mentor all the way to 12th grade with the same caring adult. The heart of our program is transformative relationships.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Amy Zhao, Associate Director of Mentoring Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
This year, we were especially excited to launch the National Virtual Mentoring Programs Opening Day, bringing together 64 mentors and mentees from across the country. The virtual program continues to expand our reach, allowing youth and volunteers from all over the country to form meaningful relationships despite the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cWe loved seeing old faces, and all the buzz going on, it\u2019s always nice to be reunited. We get to catch up and get excited for the new year.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The day was packed with interactive activities designed to foster collaboration and fun. Mentors and mentees enjoyed balloon racing, bracelet making, and customizing their own Stanley Cup, while others engaged in friendly competition through sports and games. The highlight of the day was the \u201cSide Quest\u201d challenge, where mentor-mentee pairs tackled fun mini-games like creating yoga poses or winning a staring contest. High school mentors and mentees ended their day with an adventurous scroll in Industry City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cWe really liked getting welcomed by everyone as we come in and do lots of activities we wouldn\u2019t normally do in Apex workshops.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, in the virtual space, new mentees and mentors connected for the first time, with many commenting that 45 minutes simply wasn\u2019t enough\u2014they wanted to keep talking! Participants also met their small group cohorts, building excitement as they brainstormed creative team names that reflected shared interests. The virtual format offered a fresh way to connect, proving that even through a screen, meaningful bonds can form and flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How you can support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We invite you to be a part of this meaningful initiative. Whether you\u2019re interested in mentoring, volunteering, or supporting our mission in other ways, your involvement can make a real impact on the lives of our youth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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