Join Us in Building Young Readers Through Volunteering 

Volunteers are the heartbeat of mentorship; showing up week after week to guide, listen, and spark curiosity in young learners. In our elementary reading programs, volunteers help children not only strengthen literacy but also build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

Apex for Youth’s Read with Apex program helps young students build a love for reading and storytelling through small group activities led by caring volunteers. By guiding children through age-appropriate books and creative projects, volunteers not only strengthen literacy skills but also create space for students to explore identity, community, and their own voices. 

“I’m excited to be cultivating a safe, inclusive, and imaginative environment where youth feel empowered to explore their identities and build meaningful connections through literacy and social-emotional learning. In collaboration with our volunteers, I hope that students leave our programs feeling grounded in understanding who they are, who they can be, and the importance of community.” – Khrystalie Le, Elementary Reading Programs Manager. 

Heinemann, a publisher of research on literacy and education, demonstrates that small-group settings enhance literacy learning. By working in smaller groups, volunteers can offer more individualized attention, quickly identify and address learning gaps, and adapt teaching strategies to suit each student’s pace and level of understanding.

This year, we’re proud to recognize one volunteer whose dedication has touched countless children: our Read with Apex Volunteer of the Year, Mary Man-Kong.

“Mary has been with us for more than three years. She is such a warm, welcoming presence in the classroom and a strong role model for other volunteers. She’s reliable, dedicated, and has even gone above and beyond to donate books for our annual Book Fair.”
– Jennifer Kong, Read with Apex Manager from 2024-2025

Sharing the Joy of Reading with Youth

By day, Mary is an Executive Editor at Penguin Random House. Surrounded by books, she’s always understood the power of stories. However, she also wanted to connect directly with children, sharing her love of reading in a personal and meaningful way.

“When I looked for volunteer opportunities, I saw a need for mentors in reading programs,” Mary explains. “The kids are amazing, and the volunteers are so supportive. We learn from the children just as much as they learn from us.”

What keeps Mary coming back, week after week?

“It’s the kids,” she says. “Seeing their eyes light up when they walk in, even if they’ve had a tough week, makes it all worthwhile. We give them a safe space to decompress, learn, and just feel happy. Watching them open up, speak louder, and feel more confident is the best reward.”

In her first year, one particularly quiet boy barely spoke. Through gentle games, encouragement, and small victories, he began raising his hand, joining group activities, and expressing himself more freely. 

“That experience showed me how important mentorship is,” Mary says. “Helping children become more social and confident reminded me of why I always want to come back.”

Volunteering has also been a two-way journey. Mary reflects on how much she learns from the children, too: patience, joy, and the value of celebrating small wins. Each session serves as a reminder that growth and learning flow both ways, creating a dynamic, mutually rewarding experience for both volunteers and youth.

Why Volunteering Matters

For Mary, volunteering is especially meaningful for kids who may not always have role models who understand their experiences. She remembers being a shy child herself, wishing she had that kind of support. “If I had, I would have been more comfortable speaking up earlier,” she reflects. Now, she sees how powerful it is to tell students, “Of course you can do it.”

That’s why she encourages others to take the leap into volunteering. The joy of watching children grow, paired with the friendships built among volunteers, makes the experience deeply rewarding.

“You’ll get so much gratification from the kids and from the friendships you build with other volunteers. Even with the commute from Queens to downtown every Saturday, I look forward to it. If you have the time, do it. You’ll see the impact, and it will be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.”

✨ Want to make a difference like Mary? Volunteer with our elementary program and help children build skills, confidence, and community, or explore our other 프로그램 to find the perfect way to get involved!