VOLUNTEER FOR OUR
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

ATTENTION: Prospective Volunteer? Come chat with our staff and have your volunteer questions answered at our volunteer recruitment events! RSVP Here >

Volunteer Events

APPLY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Fill out the form below to receive your application link via email.

Volunteer Sign Up

Note: The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. That’s as long as it takes to order a cup of coffee!

Disclaimer: By submitting this form, you consent to receive communications from our program staff. These may include updates, program information, and event invitations.

OUR IMPACT

90%

of youth have come to value challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

89%

of youth would like to join an Apex program again.

89%

of youth feel good about themselves this year because of Apex.

EXPLORE PROGRAMS
TAILORED FOR YOUTH

Our Middle School Programs (6th-8th grade) empower students through mentorship, identity exploration, and teamwork-building opportunities. Volunteers play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring youth as they navigate these formative years, helping them build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and strengthen their sense of community.

Email volunteer@apexforyouth.org for more information.

Not sure which program fits you best? Explore our options below:

Mentoring Program

Volunteers provide one-on-one and group mentorship, fostering meaningful relationships that support students’ personal and academic growth.

What You’ll Do

  • Serve as a mentor and role model for a middle school student.
  • Support students as they explore their identity and develop life skills.
  • Lead discussions and activities that strengthen confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
  • Help foster a strong, welcoming culture within small groups of mentors and mentees.

Location

  • Lower East Side (Manhattan)
  • Sunset Park (Brooklyn)

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Must be 21+ years old
  • Attend 75% of workshops (11 out of 14 Saturday workshops)
  • Must participate in orientation and mid-year training and are highly encouraged to join other events such as field trips and community activities.

Schedule: October – June. 2 Saturdays a month. Minimum 2 years.

ATHLETICS

Through structured team practices, competitive play, and our signature We Run As One (WRAO) Tournament, youth sharpen their skills while building strong relationships with dedicated volunteer coaches. Players grow in confidence, leadership, teamwork, and resilience — on and off the court.

Requirement & Eligibility:

  • Age: 16+
  • Commitment: Attend at least 80% of sessions (2 hours each) during the program year.
  • Background Check & Interview: Volunteers are required to complete an interview and pass a background check prior to participation.
  • Orientation: All volunteers must attend an orientation at the start of the program to understand the mission, goals, and expectations.


BASKETBALL

OCTOBER – MAY

Activities: Drills, games, and skill-building exercises focused on teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Age Group: 6th to 8th grade (Middle School)

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan) | Sunset Park (Brooklyn) | Flushing (Queens)

Program Duration: 2 hours per session on Saturdays

Commitment: Attend at least 80% of sessions during the program year.

WE RUN AS ONE

SUMMER PROGRAM ONLY

Activities: Volunteer as a coach or assistant during games, help with scorekeeping, and manage team rotations. This is a summer basketball league designed to foster teamwork and leadership.

Age Group: 6th to 8th grade (Middle School)

Location: Stanton Street Courts at the Lower East Side, Sunset Park Basketball Courts, Brooklyn

Program Duration: Saturdays (once a week) from early July to late August

Shift Schedule:

  • Morning shift: 8:30AM – 11:30AM
  • Afternoon shift: 11:30AM – 2:30PM

Commitment: Attend at least 80% of sessions during the summer.

APPLICATION TIMELINE
& PROCESS

KEY DATES

  • May 31 – Priority deadline for Mentoring 
  • June – Priority deadline for Athletics; Mentoring application processing begins
  • July – August – Application processing period for all programs
  • August – September – Final volunteer acceptances and placements for Mentoring
  • October – Final volunteer acceptances and placements for Athletics

JOIN OUR SOCIAL EVENTS

MISSED OUR VIRTUAL INFO SESSION?

CHECK OUT OUR INFO PRESENTATION HERE

ATTENTION: Prospective Volunteer? Come chat with our staff and have your volunteer questions answered in our virtual info sessions!

TESTIMONIALS

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