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Note: The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. That’s as long as it takes to order a cup of coffee!
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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.
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
QUICK OVERVIEW
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
QUICK OVERVIEW
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
Where: ELM Roastery, 8330a Broadway, Elmhurst, NY When: Saturday, 4/19 from 4-6pm Who: Current and prospective volunteers for Apex’s Elementary & Athletics programs!
Come connect with fellow volunteers, learn more about how you can make an impact, and have fun! We’ll kick off the event with an exciting hour of TRIVIA, so make sure to arrive on time!
I have a better sense of self since being part of the Apex community, finding friends who were genuine, caring, had similar experiences growing up and were happy to find Apex to give them a stronger sense of belonging.”
— KRISTEN,
Volunteer since 2017
As I’ve grown older and moved to NYC, I’ve set a goal to connect more deeply with my Asian American heritage and community. Growing up in a suburban area, I didn’t have many Asian role models or access to programs like Apex for Youth. This opportunity has been truly meaningful, allowing me to give back and grow alongside the next generation. I applied to become a mentor last year and was paired with Bernice. She shares many of my childhood interests, like art, reading, dogs, and butterflies.
— TIFFANY,
Middle School Mentoring
I’m currently in my 5th year as a volunteer for Apex for Youth. I began in the Athletics Program as a basketball coach and later got involved with Middle School Mentoring, balancing both roles for several years. One of my favorite memories is when my mentee Ben told me I was like an older brother to him after we celebrated his 13th birthday. It was a meaningful moment that truly brought to life what Apex means to me and the community it serves, reminding me of the importance of Apex’s reach.”