“I kind of wanted to find that space where I can explore my Asian American identity and also learn more about it… Not only being mentored by people older than you and being connected with a mentor, but also being able to develop friendships with people across the nation and Asian American teenagers across the nation, that was something that was really special.”
— 12th Grade Mentee
ATTENTION: Have questions about program eligibility, application & timeline, schedule, and more? Come chat with our program managers in our virtual info sessions! RSVP Here >
Apex’s National Virtual Mentoring Program (NVMP) launched in January 2023. This free program provides high school students from low income Asian backgrounds across the United States with a 1-1 mentor for at least two years, with monthly virtual workshops to build community. Mentees would also be eligible for an in-person summer retreat at Apex headquarters in NYC, access to college scholarships, and other opportunities such support from our college and career success and mental health departments.
Since 1992, Apex for Youth’s in-person mentoring programs for Asian American youth in NYC have demonstrated the incredible impact of having an adult mentor who understands their experiences. NVMP seeks to expand this experience to Asian American youth across the country who may not otherwise have access to culturally competent mentorship. All mentors undergo an extensive interview, reference check, and background check process before being matched with mentees.
Click below to learn more about NVMP in an info session led by our National Virtual Mentoring Program Manager, Annie!
Help build an online community of high school youth and volunteers through attending Saturday workshops and meeting with your mentee according to the requirements above
Build a supportive, caring mentoring relationship that centers your mentee by getting to know them, doing activities together, and being a consistent person in their life
Support your mentee as they explore who they are, develop confidence in their self-identity, and navigate relationships, stress management, and planning for their future
Qualifications
For Mentors:
21+ years old
Live anywhere in the United States
Demonstrate an interest in working with young people
Exhibit patience, empathy, positivity, and resourcefulness
Enjoy ongoing learning, are comfortable receiving and applying feedback from staff
For Mentees:
Attend 9th-12th grade at a school in the United States
Able to attend required monthly Saturday workshops on Zoom from 2-4pm EST
Able to meet with mentor 1-1 at least once a month
Have a personal interest in experiencing a mentoring relationship
Respond to communication from staff, including completing surveys and check-ins
If you have any financial barriers to having technology access to participate (i.e. webcam, wifi), we can help!
*8th graders may apply in the spring for start in the program in the fall
Application Process
For Mentors:
Submit an online application
Schedule and complete a virtual interview with program staff, a completed application process does not guarantee a match
Complete background check
Attend a virtual new volunteer training & orientation
If matched, complete a match meeting with mentee and program staff
NVMP Volunteer Intake and Interview Season: Summer 2024
For Mentees:
Submit an online application
Interview with program staff
*If matched, complete a match meeting with mentor and program staff*
*A completed application process does not guarantee a match*
Low income Asian American youth receive first priority for our programs
NVMP Youth Intake and Interview Season: Summer 2024
Commitments
For Mentors:
Minimum 2 years
Maintain 75% attendance
1 monthly virtual workshop on Saturdays from 2-4pm EST
1 monthly virtual meetup with mentee
If you are interested in becoming a virtual mentor, submit your application below: