February at Apex: Gala Honorees Announced & What’s Coming in March

Happy Lunar New Year! As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, we’re inspired by its powerful energy — bold, driven, and passionate. The Fire Horse represents momentum and courage, and that same fire lives within our Apex community as we build together in the year ahead.

With this energy carrying us into the new year, we’re excited to share our 2026 Gala theme: IGNITE. This year, we’re celebrating and igniting possibility by empowering low-income Asian American youth. Through mentoring programs and access to critical resources, we are able to spark confidence, unlock opportunity, and create a deep sense of belonging.

We are thrilled to also announce our 2026 Gala honorees, Lana Condor and Michael Chung, whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment to uplifting others truly embody what it means to IGNITE change.

计划聚焦：

Manhattan Family Night

At our monthly family night,families explored their roots by creating Family History Memory Boxes to celebrate stories and traditions passed down through generations.

Lunar New Year Shadow Puppets

Elementary students in Read with Apex practiced storytelling through shadow puppets while celebrating Lunar New Year and the traditions shared across families. Students were also introduced to the art of Chinese shadow puppetry.

Queens Family Field Trip

Our first family field trip brought families to Royal Magic Castle, an indoor playground experience paired with a fun bingo activity that encouraged families to play, explore, and connect.

Apex News:

34th Inspiration Awards Gala

This year’s 34th Inspiration Awards Gala theme is IGNITE — a testament to how one act of belief can light another, creating momentum toward a limitless future.

We are proud to honor Lana Condor and Michael Chung — two leaders whose work reflects the heart of Apex: Empowering youth, expanding opportunity, and creating pathways to a limitless future. 🎉

While tickets are no longer available, there are still meaningful ways to support Apex for Youth:

Make a donation to expand access and opportunity for the youth we serve.
Sponsor or purchase tickets to our Gala Afterparty at NoFlex and help us carry the spirit of IGNITE through the evening.

Volunteer Applications Are Now Open!

Applications are open to volunteer with Apex for Youth! Join over 1,000 volunteers who support 2,700 Asian American and immigrant youth, helping them explore their identities and interests while nurturing their education, health, and community engagement. Priority deadline is May 31st.

Apply here!

What’s Next in March?

College Fair | March 19th | 2-4:30pm | Apex Office

Open to high school students — connect with 20+ college admissions reps, explore CUNY, SUNY, and private schools, and get real answers about majors, campus life, and financial aid. Plus, learn about scholarships, volunteering opportunities, and win prizes like AirPods.

Know a high school student? Please share this with them or help us spread the word.

RSVP 这里！

Virtual Volunteer Recruitment Event | March 24th | 7-8pm | Zoom

This is a great chance to meet new people and learn about Apex’s ongoing volunteer opportunities. Come meet fellow prospective volunteers, as well as staff across our many programs in the comfort of your own home!

RSVP 这里！

"(《世界人权宣言》) Apex for Youth Associate Board (AB) is a group of current and former volunteers who strengthen the Apex community through recruitment, outreach, marketing, and cultivation of young supporters.

Here are some events they are hosting in March:

Trivia Night| March 5th | 8:10-10pm | The Hairy Lemon

This is a public trivia night, but we have tables reserved to represent Apex! Form or join teams up to 6 ppl.

RSVP 这里！

Nuchi x Rice Blossoms Community Event | March 7th | 6:30-8pm | Apex Office

A hands-on, workshop that blends Baram tteok–makin gled by @rice_blossoms & Beading experience led by @livenunchi.

RSVP 这里！

Ivy + AAPI Nonprofit Social | March 12th | 6-9:30pm | Rewind

Mixer with Ivy+ alumni community, local NYC and AAPI non-profits.

RSVP 这里！

United Half Marathon 2026 Sign Making | March 12th | 7-8:30pm | Apex Office

Come make signs for our NYRR Half Marathon runners running for Apex! If you want to make signs for other runners, feel free to join us as well! We’ll provide supplies and pizza!

RSVP 这里！

United Half Marathon Cheer Team 2026 | March 15th

Join us to cheer on our United Airlines NYC Half Marathon Apex team! Stay tuned to our FitFam WhatsApp group for more details on location and timing.

Golf with FitFam | March 22th | 3-5pm | Golfzon Social

Practice your golf swing (or learn how to play) with Apex FitFam!

RSVP 这里！

Love, Queenie with Book Club| March 26th | 6:30-8:30pm | Apex Office

Book Club will be discussing Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star by Mayukh Sen.

RSVP 这里！