From Screens to in-person in NYC: Mentors & Mentees Meet In Person for the First Time 

National Virtual Mentoring Program 

From September to June, mentors and mentees in Apex for Youth’s National Virtual Mentoring Program (NVMP) met through screens, sharing stories, goals, and laughter from across the country. But this August, those virtual bonds came to life in New York City, where participants met for the in-person three-day NVMP Summer Retreat.

Designed for high school students nationwide, NVMP connects Asian American, immigrant, and low-income youth with mentors who share their cultural roots and experiences. The program offers structured mentorship that focuses on personal growth, college and career exploration, and identity development, filling a crucial gap for youth who often lack access to Asian American role models or communities in their local area.

Many of our mentees are the only Asian students in their schools or towns. This retreat gave them a chance to see they’re not alone, to connect in person with peers and mentors who understand their experiences.

Teresa, an Apex Mentee, said, “My experience with NVMP has been such a fun and joyful journey. I got to meet my mentor Janelle through this program and we went through a lot. She helped me through the high school process, the college process and just guiding me through this journey. With the program, you’ll meet lots of people, gain lots of friends ,and be able to have lots of opportunities you wouldn’t get if you weren’t in the program.”

NYC Adventures & A Broadway Experience to Remember

The retreat kicked off with a mentee orientation and team-building activities. Through icebreaker competitions, group chats, and board games, youth who had only met virtually before quickly formed new friendships, providing proof of the strong community that NVMP fosters year-round.

The second day spotlighted creativity and self-expression. In partnership with Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation, mentees participated in a Broadway workshop led by performers Niki Saludez, Benjamin Moore, and Jackie Leon (who currently stars in Hell’s Kitchen). Together, they learned the choreography and vocals to “Empire State of Mind,” a fitting anthem for their weekend in New York.

The day culminated in watching Alicia Keys’ Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen, an inspiring moment that encouraged mentees to dream big and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Andy, an Apex Mentee, said, “ This musical is actually one of the best ones I’ve seen; it’s a really high bar. Going to the workshop beforehand was really cool because at the final number, the cast members actually did what they taught us. I’m blown away that we actually got to do this!”

A Program Reaching Far Beyond New York

For many mentees, Apex’s National Virtual Mentoring Program is their first connection to a broader Asian American community. Living in areas with few cultural touchpoints, these young people often face challenges in navigating their identity and sense of belonging. NVMP bridges that distance, offering consistent support, representation, and guidance from mentors who understand their journeys.

Apex’s culturally grounded curriculum and monthly workshops address topics like mental health, identity, and first-generation college readiness, empowering students to navigate life’s next chapters with confidence and purpose.

Mentors Like Sovena Make It Possible

Mentors like Sovena, who joined during NVMP’s pilot phase in early 2023, embody the heart of the program. From her hometown in Pennsauken, NJ, her connection to her hometown has made it so that 1/5th of the mentees that NVMP has served thus far have come from Pennsauken, and she even ran a marathon to raise funds for Apex.

“Our kids come from low-income communities, and there aren’t a lot of opportunities for us,” Sovena said. “Through NVMP, they can explore more of the world just by showing up and engaging.”

Read more about her journey here!

Interested in our National Virtual Mentoring Program?

Learn more about how to support a high school student remotely and read “How to Mentor Teens Successfully in a Virtual Setting.”

If you are a high school student looking to join our National Virtual Mentoring Program, apply here!