VOLUNTEER FOR OUR
ELEMENTARY YOUTH

ATTENTION: Prospective Volunteer? Come chat with our staff and have your volunteer questions answered in our virtual info sessions! RSVP Here >

FEATURED EVENTS

APPLY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Fill out the form below to receive your application link via email.

Volunteer Sign Up

Note: The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. That’s as long as it takes to order a cup of coffee!

Disclaimer: By submitting this form, you consent to receive communications from our program staff. These may include updates, program information, and event invitations.

OUR IMPACT

98%

of youth built positive relationships with volunteers, coaches and Apex staff

94%

frequently tried new things at Apex

90%

felt like an important part of their team

EXPLORE PROGRAMS
TAILORED FOR YOUTH

Our Elementary Programs (K-5th grade) help young students build social skills, explore new interests, and develop a sense of belonging through group mentoring, hands-on activities, and community experiences.

Not sure which program fits you best? Explore our options below.

Read with Apex (K-2nd Grader)

Volunteers help young students develop a love for reading and storytelling by guiding small group activities that explore identity and community.

What You’ll Do

  • Read two age-appropriate books with students each session.
  • Lead discussions and hands-on arts & crafts activities based on story themes. For example, after reading a book about community, students might sculpt their dream neighborhood out of clay or paint a scene inspired by the community depicted in the story.

Location

  • Virtual: Serves K-2nd grade students
  • In-person: Serves 1st-2nd grade in Chinatown, Manhattan

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Age 14+
  • Attend training and commit to 75% of sessions

Schedule: October – May (18 Saturday sessions)

Explorers (3rd - 5th Grade)

Volunteers help students develop confidence, curiosity, and teamwork through hands-on activities and cultural exploration.

What You’ll Do

  • Support students in hands-on workshops designed to foster identity and community-mindedness (e.g., park clean-ups, self-portrait painting, group challenges)
  • Help facilitate engaging workshops led by Apex staff
  • Support small student groups throughout the session

Location

  • Chinatown (Manhattan), Sunset Park (Brooklyn), and Flushing (Queens)

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Age 14+
  • Attend training and commit to 75% of sessions

Schedule: October – May (18 Saturday sessions)

ATHLETICS

Volunteers help facilitate shared activities that nurture social skills and support networks to build confidence, perseverance and resilience on and off the court. We do this through basketball, volleyball, running and yoga.

Requirement & Eligibility:

  • Age 16+
  • Attend at least 80% of sessions (2 hours each) during the program year.
  • For We Run As One or Volleyball or Running Clubs: one session/week from July – August.

BASKETBALL

OCTOBER – MAY

Activities: Drills, games, and skill-building exercises focused on teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Age Group: 3rd to 5th grade

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan), Sunset Park (Brooklyn), Flushing (Queens)

YOGA

OCTOBER – MAY

Activities: Guided yoga flow, meditation and reflection activities to promote physical and emotional resilience.

Age Group: 3rd to 5th grade

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan), Sunset Park (Brooklyn)

WE RUN AS ONE

SUMMER PROGRAM ONLY

Activities: Volunteer as a coach or assist during games, help with scorekeeping, and manage team rotations. This is a summer basketball league designed to foster teamwork and leadership.

Age Group: 4th to 5th grade

Location: Stanton Street Courts at the Lower East Side and Sunset Park Basketball Courts, Brooklyn

VOLLEYBALL & RUNNING

SUMMER PROGRAMS ONLY

Activities: Lead skill-building drills, group activities, and games focused on volleyball fundamentals and running fitness.

Age Group: 6th to 12th grade

Location: Chinatown (Manhattan)

APPLICATION TIMELINE
& PROCESS

KEY DATES

  • May: Soft confirmations (summer recruitment)
  • Aug-Sept: Final confirmations & site sign-ups

ATTENTION: Prospective Volunteer? Come chat with our staff and have your volunteer questions answered in our virtual info sessions!

TESTIMONIALS