This year, our Brooklyn program reached a milestone, a full 8th grade cohort, something the team has worked toward for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In many ways, Opening Day mirrors Back-to-School season. Just as students set new goals for the year, mentors and mentees use this moment to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead together. The first few months are critical; Research shows that the first 90 days of a mentoring relationship often determine whether it lasts the whole year (Zachary & Fischler, 2014).<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why we emphasize early connection and consistency. During Opening Day, pairs create match agreements to outline how they\u2019ll communicate, set goals, and support one another. It\u2019s more than just a fun day; It\u2019s a model for building trust, reliability, and shared accountability from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For youth navigating the challenges of school and adolescence, having a trusted mentor and a supportive community can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Phebe, an 8th-grade mentee in Brooklyn, the year ahead is full of anticipation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to hanging out with Dana and trying more food. Last year we tried Ethiopian food, this year Indian food is definitely on our list!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Small moments like these shared meals, laughter, and discovery are where mentorship comes to life. As Apex for Youth begins another program year, we\u2019re reminded that every strong relationship starts with intention, connection, and care – and the first 90 days matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in becoming a mentor or supporting our youth programs? A special thank-you to our corporate volunteers who helped make Opening Day possible, bringing together NYC\u2019s middle and high school students for an unforgettable start to the year. Why the first 90 days of mentorship matter and how Apex for Youth\u2019s Opening Day builds lasting mentor-mentee relationships across NYC.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":20129,"template":"","class_list":["post-20128","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"](\"https:\/\/apexforyouth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/ClaraHungPhoto_ApexForYouth_MNOpeningDay_250927-55-1300x867.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSetting the Stage for Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"asian](\"https:\/\/apexforyouth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/ClaraHungPhoto_ApexForYouth_MNOpeningDay_250927_Selects-01-1300x867.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u00danase a nosotros<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about Apex for Youth\u2019s Mentoring Programs<\/a> or read more on our newsletter<\/a> for the latest updates and volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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