May was a powerful month of celebration, reflection, and connection at Apex for Youth. From honoring AAPI Heritage Month with vibrant community events to wrapping up transformative year-end projects across our mentoring programs, our youth and families showed up with pride, creativity, and purpose. We gathered on the courts for our 4th Annual Hoops Over Hate, spotlighted youth voices at For the Culture, and expanded mental health conversations at citywide conferences. As the school year winds down, we’re inspired by the growth we’ve witnessed across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, and energized to continue building a more connected, joyful, and empowered community together.
Program Spotlight:
End of Year Projects
This year’s Year-End Projects across our Middle School and High School Mentoring Programs encouraged youth to explore their interests, build skills, and deepen their connection to their communities. In 6th grade, mentees and mentors went on adventures to new places based on a shared curiosity, while 7th grade pairs committed more than eight hours to learning a new hobby or skill together. High school students engaged in meaningful service learning and community exploration. Some took action on causes they care about, others interviewed and documented stories from local community members, while seniors reflected on the communities they hope to be part of after graduation. These efforts culminated in a Year-End Project Fair, where mentors and youth came together to celebrate their growth and reflect on their learning.
Community Events: Hoops Over Hate & For The Culture
This year, Hoops Over Hate brought the community together once again — not just to play, but to stand against hate and celebrate Asian American resilience and unity. The three-on-three basketball tournament, born from a local response to anti-Asian hate, has grown into an annual tradition of empowerment, pride, and collective joy on and off the court.
In partnership with SAYA, we hosted the first ever For The Culture, a celebration of Asian American youth voices and talents. Youth and their families connected through hands-on cultural activities like paper-lantern making, henna art, a chopstick challenge, and origami, while sharing delicious bites including samosas, dumplings, noodles, and kimbap. The event was a joyful reminder of what it means to have a community, especially an Asian American community, and to celebrate its rich diversity.
Mental Health Awareness Month
We’re proud to highlight the vital work of our Mental Health Services (MHS) team, which provides accessible, culturally responsive care to Asian American youth and families. Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising anti-Asian hate, MHS supports healing through individual therapy, peer groups, family nights, and community events. At the Asian American / Asian Research Institute 2025 Symposium and NYU’s Equity Now Conference, our team shared how play-based therapy and bilingual workshops are helping youth build emotional skills, connect with loved ones, and bridge generational gaps. Their work continues to create safe spaces where our community can heal, grow, and thrive. Read more here!
Closing out Volunteer Socials
This May, we wrapped up three fun volunteer socials: a Sunset Park food crawl, a scenic community run with Chinatown Runners, and arcade games at Gatcha in Flushing to welcome new faces into the Apex family.
Thanks to your support, we’ve successfully filled all roles for our High School Mentoring Program ahead of the May 31st Priority deadline.
As our programs grow across Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, we still urgently need volunteers – especially for our Middle School and Elementary Programs in Flushing and Sunset Park.
Apply today to join the Apex volunteer community.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next in June?
Join Us at our annual Art exhibition!
The Art Exhibit is an annual event hosted by our mental health team. It showcases artworks created by youth participating in Apex programming, where they were encouraged to explore self-expression and storytelling through various art forms.
Where: 195 Chrystie Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10002
When: Friday, June 27 | 4-8pm
Become an Apex Ambassador!
Our Apex Ambassador Program is still running through June 30, 2025! As an Ambassador, you’ll play a key role in growing our volunteer community by inviting friends to get involved and helping us expand our network of mentors who are making a meaningful impact.
Tickets are available for Apex for Aces Casino Night!
The Apex for Youth Associate Board would like to formally invite you to the 14th Annual Aces for Apex Casino Night!
Where: Skylight at The Refinery inside the Domino Sugar Factory.
When: Saturday, July 26th
Tickets are available here!
Follow us on Instagram @apex.associateboard to stay in touch. We hope to see you there!
