Apex for Youth
Education
We work to promote not only academic achievement but also the fostering of greater curiosity and enjoyment of learning. With nearly half of our youth coming from non-English speaking households, we support students throughout the entirety of their academic journey and into their early professional lives.
Read with Apex (K-2nd grade)
Read with Apex promotes literacy among Kindergarten through 2nd grade students in New York City elementary schools through Saturday morning reading clubs. Volunteers engage students in reading age-appropriate material and facilitate discussions around the stories’ main ideas. The program goal is to explore themes of identity, community, and activism and instill an interest in reading at a very early age.
Elementary Explorers (3rd-5th grade)
Our Elementary Explorers Program engages 3rd through 5th grade students in New York City in workshops to explore their personal identity and community through hands-on projects. Volunteers work with provided lessons and a small group of students to explore themes of identity, community, and service.
College and Career Access (9th-12th grade)
Apex’s College Access supports Apex high school students as they explore their future pathways. Youth and volunteers engage in workshops for support during the high school and/or college application process. Workshop topics include: finding the best fit college, writing an effective personal statement, and accessing financial aid and scholarships.
Career Access programs focus on career exploration through career panels, skill-based workshops, and paid internships through our Summer Career Exploration Program.
Elementary (K-5th grade) volunteers:
- Implement Apex’s curriculum with a small group of elementary youth
- Encourage students to be open and willing to learn new things
- Discover and develop students’ strengths
- Enhance students’ beliefs in their own potential and capacity for growth
College and Career Access (9th-12th grade) volunteers:
- Work in small groups to implement programming and support youth through college and career exploration
- Encourage students to explore different options and to be open and willing to learn new things
- Support youth identify and communicate their strengths and interests
- Provide support and positive reinforcement as youth navigate the college and financial aid application process
- Help youth plan for their future and work towards achieving their college or career goals
Elementary (K-5th grade) volunteers:
- 14+ years old
- Commit to one full school year (Summer optional)
- Be open-minded and willing to learn
College and Career Access (9th-12th grade) volunteers:
- 21+ years old
- Ability to commit to meeting with youth up to two times a month for two full years
- Interested in supporting a young person in their college or career journey
- Exhibit patience, positivity, and resourcefulness when navigating challenges with youth
- Have a youth-centered mindset and empathy for young people
- Value diversity, is non-judgmental
- Complete an online volunteer application
- Submit proof of COVID vaccination
- Interview with an Apex staff
- Complete background check
Commitments:
- Commit to the length required for your program of choice
- Attend mandatory trainings
Attendance Policy:
- Commit to at least 75% of the sessions
- Provide advance notice of absence or lateness
- Volunteers with a pattern of unexcused absences and lateness may be asked to not continue
If you are interested in becoming an education volunteer, submit your application below:
Elementary (K-5th grade)
College and Career Access (9th-12th grade)
