By Ashley Ye | February 11, 2025
The right mentor can change a young person’s life. Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about believing in someone’s potential and giving them the tools to achieve it.
At Apex for Youth, we know firsthand how transformative mentorship can be. Our program pairs young people with dedicated mentors who provide encouragement, career exposure, and a lifelong network of support. Whether it’s preparing for college, navigating early career steps, or simply having a trusted adult to turn to, mentorship helps youth see what’s possible and build a path to get there.
A mentoring program is a structured relationship that connects young people with caring adults who offer guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to grow (source: Chronus). Mentoring programs can take many forms and can take place in schools, work-place or community organizations.
Types of Mentoring Programs:
One-on-one: A mentor provides personalized guidance and support to an individualized mentee, tailoring advice and resources to their specific needs and goals.
Group: A mentor works with a group of mentees, offering guidance to the collective while encouraging collaboration and facilitating shared learning experiences.
Peer: Mentors and mentees who have similar interests and experiences exchange support and guidance, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
“Mentoring gives mentees another lens to see the world. Young boys go through a lot of change over a very short period of time and immense societal pressure. I think it is helpful to have someone who is close to that and remembers that period of change well, and can help guide them through it.”
– Sid G, Apex for Youth Mentor
Finding the right mentoring program can open doors to new possibilities, boost confidence, and help young people see what’s possible for their future. Many organizations offer free mentorship opportunities—here’s where to look:
Youth can benefit significantly from participating in mentorship programs, both personally and professionally. These programs offer opportunities for guidance, support, and growth in various aspects of their lives. Here are several key benefits:
“No other organization has made more of an impact on me than Apex. As a mentee, I was shown a community that highlighted and fostered Asian experiences and made me proud to be Asian American. Now, years later, I am proud to come back to Apex to serve and cultivate the communities that I grew up in.”
– Ken Bamba, Apex for Youth Mentor & Former Mentee
New York City is home to several impactful youth mentoring programs that provide guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Apex for Youth, which empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC, is one of the largest organizations in the country serving primarily Asian American youth. Through mentorship and volunteer support, Apex for Youth builds the next generation of change makers, fostering confidence, leadership, and career readiness. The program is actively pursuing a more equitable future by creating transformative opportunities for youth, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
For Mentees: What You Gain from Apex for Youth Mentorship
For Mentors: The Impact You Make at Apex for Youth
💡 Interested in becoming a mentor or mentee? Join Apex for Youth for free and start your journey today.
Virtual mentoring is not just a convenient option—it’s a powerful tool for transforming lives. In fact, 87% of mentees report feeling more confident and empowered after participating in virtual mentorship. This shows just how impactful these connections can be.
Apex for Youth received the Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award at the Knicks Lunar New Year game, honoring our work empowering Asian American youth.
