What Makes the First 90 Days of Mentoring So Important?

Every September, as students return to school, Apex for Youth celebrates another kind of new beginning: Opening Day, the kickoff of our Middle School and High School Mentoring Programs.

Over two days in Brooklyn and Manhattan, more than 450 mentors and mentees came together to set intentions for the year ahead. From volleyball and pickleball to match agreements and small group activities, Opening Day was filled with connection, laughter, and purpose, marking the start of meaningful mentoring relationships that can last well beyond the school year.

Donna Poon, Apex for Youth’s Associate Director of Mentoring Programs, said, “Opening Day is important because this is the day where new mentors and mentees meet each other for the first time and for returning mentors and mentees to reunite after summer break. Through games and activities, they form bonds that set the foundation for their relationship for the rest of the year and hopefully through their Apex journey and beyond.”

This year, our Brooklyn program reached a milestone, a full 8th grade cohort, something the team has worked toward for years.

Setting the Stage for Success

In many ways, Opening Day mirrors Back-to-School season. Just as students set new goals for the year, mentors and mentees use this moment to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead together. The first few months are critical; Research shows that the first 90 days of a mentoring relationship often determine whether it lasts the whole year (Zachary & Fischler, 2014).

That’s why we emphasize early connection and consistency. During Opening Day, pairs create match agreements to outline how they’ll communicate, set goals, and support one another. It’s more than just a fun day; It’s a model for building trust, reliability, and shared accountability from the start.

For youth navigating the challenges of school and adolescence, having a trusted mentor and a supportive community can make all the difference.

For Phebe, an 8th-grade mentee in Brooklyn, the year ahead is full of anticipation:

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with Dana and trying more food. Last year we tried Ethiopian food, this year Indian food is definitely on our list!”

Small moments like these shared meals, laughter, and discovery  are where mentorship comes to life. As Apex for Youth begins another program year, we’re reminded that every strong relationship starts with intention, connection, and care – and the first 90 days matter most.

Join Us

Interested in becoming a mentor or supporting our youth programs?
Learn more about Apex for Youth’s Mentoring Programs or read more on our newsletter for the latest updates and volunteer opportunities.

A special thank-you to our corporate volunteers who helped make Opening Day possible, bringing together NYC’s middle and high school students for an unforgettable start to the year.