What Mentorship Can Do for High School Students Preparing for College

At Apex for Youth, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission; showing up, week after week, to guide, listen, and open doors for the next generation. 

Our College Access Program (CAP) helps high school juniors and seniors confidently navigate college applications. As a volunteer College Guide, you’ll mentor a small group, participate in workshops on essays, interviews, and financial aid, and provide personalized support to help students make informed decisions.

Join us in Manhattan to empower youth and learn more here!

This year, we are proud to name Paul Aldana as College & Career Success (CCS) Volunteer of the Year, not only for his warmth and practical advice as a College Access Program (CAP) mentor, but also for stepping up in ways that go far beyond a high school volunteer.

“We are grateful to all of our volunteers who are doing this important work with us, but today, we want to recognize one in particular, who’s still in touch with two of his former CAP students even after taking on two new CAP students this year. We have decided to name him as CCS’ Volunteer of the Year, not only for his warmth and practical advice in CAP, but also for taking on hours of Career Exploration work to help with internship interviews.”
— Jia-Ming Tuan, College and Career Success Program Coordinator

From Florida to New York, and Back to His Roots

Paul’s story begins as a first-generation Asian American, the son of Filipino immigrants. Growing up in central Florida without siblings or many Asian role models, he often felt like no one could guide him through big life decisions. His parents, new to the U.S., did their best, but navigating the education system and American culture was a challenge.

“I didn’t have any mentors growing up,” Paul recalls. “It would have been great to have someone who looked like me, who had been through it, and could help me figure things out. That’s why I volunteer so that I can be that person for someone else.”

After college at Penn State and a move to New York City for work, Paul began building a career in finance. At an AAPI event hosted by his then-employer, MSCI, he heard about Apex for Youth and immediately applied to be a CAP mentor. Since then, Paul’s commitment to Apex has grown by joining our Associate Board, where volunteers help grow and foster Apex’s community!

Showing Up, Year After Year

Now in his third year with Apex, Paul supports high school juniors and seniors through the college admissions process, helping them not only with essays and applications, but with life’s bigger questions. “It’s supposed to be about college access, but we end up talking about everything under the sun,” Paul says. “I want them to know that what they’re feeling is normal and valid, and that there’s no single ‘right’ decision as long as they’re moving forward.”

One of his most memorable moments as a mentor was when his phone rang.

“It was one of my mentees, who had been so stressed about college. She called to tell me she got into her dream school on a full ride. We put in so much work for that moment; it was incredible to see her succeed.”

Why Mentorship Matters

For Paul, mentorship is especially critical for low-income Asian American youth in New York City. “There aren’t always opportunities to connect with someone older who’s genuinely willing to help. We’re volunteering our time because we care, and that makes a difference.”

Advice for Future Volunteers

“If you have the time, do it,” Paul says. “It might seem daunting, but even two hours on a Saturday can change someone’s life. Honestly, I get more fulfillment from volunteering than I do from my job. You’ll see the impact firsthand. You’ll see these kids grow and succeed. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”