Held annually, Opening Day sets the tone for the year, bringing together both new and returning mentors and mentees for a day of fun, bonding, and shared experiences.
By Ashley Ye
As we enter the new semester, Apex kickstarted its Manhattan and Brooklyn school year programming in Sunset Park where staff, volunteers, and youth gather for a day of games, activities, and icebreakers. Opening Day serves as the cornerstone of our mentoring program. It helps mentors and mentees break the ice, build trust, and lay the foundation for a year of growth. It’s also a crucial moment to reconnect with the mission of Apex—to provide guidance and support to the next generation of tomorrow’s change makers.
With more than 113 new pairs matched this year, this day holds particular significance for new mentors and mentees as they meet for the first time and bond over shared interests. For returning pairs, it was all about reconnecting, sharing stories from their summer break, and meeting new people. With more than 324 youth and volunteers attending in person — making this year’s Opening Day the largest in Apex history — the day marked a major milestone in building a stronger, more connected community, both in person and virtually.
“We’ve seen youth who get matched in 6th grade and stay with that same mentor all the way to 12th grade with the same caring adult. The heart of our program is transformative relationships.”
– Amy Zhao, Associate Director of Mentoring Programs
This year, we were especially excited to launch the National Virtual Mentoring Programs Opening Day, bringing together 64 mentors and mentees from across the country. The virtual program continues to expand our reach, allowing youth and volunteers from all over the country to form meaningful relationships despite the distance.
“We loved seeing old faces, and all the buzz going on, it’s always nice to be reunited. We get to catch up and get excited for the new year.”
– Annie, Mentor 11th Grade HSMP
The day was packed with interactive activities designed to foster collaboration and fun. Mentors and mentees enjoyed balloon racing, bracelet making, and customizing their own Stanley Cup, while others engaged in friendly competition through sports and games. The highlight of the day was the “Side Quest” challenge, where mentor-mentee pairs tackled fun mini-games like creating yoga poses or winning a staring contest. High school mentors and mentees ended their day with an adventurous scroll in Industry City.
“We really liked getting welcomed by everyone as we come in and do lots of activities we wouldn’t normally do in Apex workshops.”
– Anna, Mentee 11th Grade HSMP
Meanwhile, in the virtual space, new mentees and mentors connected for the first time, with many commenting that 45 minutes simply wasn’t enough—they wanted to keep talking! Participants also met their small group cohorts, building excitement as they brainstormed creative team names that reflected shared interests. The virtual format offered a fresh way to connect, proving that even through a screen, meaningful bonds can form and flourish.
We invite you to be a part of this meaningful initiative. Whether you’re interested in mentoring, volunteering, or supporting our mission in other ways, your involvement can make a real impact on the lives of our youth.
For more information on how to get involved or to support Apex for Youth’s programs, please see more here or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and opportunities!
We want to send a special shoutout to Goldman Sachs and Synchrony for their support on Opening Day in helping bring together middle and high school students for an unforgettable experience.
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