Apex for Youth

2024: A Year of Milestones and Momentum at Apex for Youth This year, Apex for Youth reached new heights, thanks to an incredible community of supporters dedicated to serving low-income Asian American youth. Together, we’ve created opportunities, inspired hope, and unlocked potential for the next generation. In 2024, we proudly expanded our work in Queens, launching Elementary Explorers and Athletics in Flushing to empower 40 additional youth. Each program is more than just an activity; it’s a doorway to confidence, resilience, and limitless possibility. At Apex, we believe every youth holds limitless potential. When given the tools, resources, and supportive relationships, they can achieve extraordinary things. This holiday season, we invite you to be part of something bigger. Your gift isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in brighter futures and in tomorrow’s leaders. ✨ Make your year-end contribution today: http://bit.ly/4iG6CA8 Let’s keep the momentum going and create transformative change—together. #ApexforYouth #AAPIYouth #CommunityBuilding #YouthEmpowerment #mentorship #education #mentoring #fundraising #nonprofit #impact #crowdfunding #giveback #nyc

91% of parents say their child feels more comfortable being themselves thanks to our Elementary Explorers program! 🌟 Apex for Youth's Elementary Explorers program empowers 3rd-5th graders to embrace creativity, explore new interests, and connect with their communities—all while building confidence and a strong sense of identity. From crafting with nature to community service, these hands-on experiences shape the next generation of empowered Asian American leaders. Every activity encourages a sense of agency, collaboration, and belonging—helping our youth connect with their cultural identity and their community in meaningful ways. Read more about the Elementary Explorers program and discover how you can make an impact by volunteering with us here: https://lnkd.in/gDJ9sghe #ApexForYouth #Elementary #AAPIYouth #CommunityBuilding #Confidence #YouthEmpowerment

❄️ Winter fun on ice! Our middle school mentoring program in Brooklyn (MSMP BK) laced up for Apex for Youth’s annual ice skating tradition! Now in its second year, MSMP BK continues to grow in size and deepen its impact. ⛸️ From warming up on hot chocolate to learning how to skate, it was amazing to see everyone step out of their comfort zones, laugh, and cheer each other on. ⁠ ⁠ The day was all about supporting one another, overcoming fears, and building lasting friendships. Moments like these remind us of the importance of mentorship and the transformative power of shared experiences. We loved seeing special moments of bonding with our mentors and peers. 💙⁠ ⁠ Here's to learning, growing, and creating memories together in the upcoming year!⁠ ⁠ 🎥: Zack Bazile ⁠ ⁠ #apexforyouth #iceskating #brooklyn⁠

Community Spotlight: Ho Jae Kim 🖌️✨🖼️ In July, Ho Jae Kim, a Korean-born, New York-based artist, hosted a Night Market exhibition where Apex for Youth was invited for a walkthrough engaging students with the rich histories, heritage, and creative processes behind each artwork. 🎨 As the founder of Civil Art, Ho Jae Kim proudly supports Apex for Youth, dedicating his efforts to uplifting the API community and empowering youth through art, curiosity, and creativity. Civil Art, launched in 2022 by four co-founders, aims to empower underrepresented Asian and Pacific Islander communities by utilizing art and educational engagement while preserving the diversity in the spectrum of API identities. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling to bring art to life. Together with Ho Jae Kim, we are shaping a brighter future for the next generation of creators. 🌟 In Ho Jae Kim’s words: “Upon learning, art can become a point of empathy and acknowledgment for those in the API community. For those who are not yet aware, art can become a point of entry into the diverse world of Asian Pacific Islanders.” For more on Ho Jae Kim's journey, his inspiring partnership with Apex for Youth, and his vision for the future, read the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/g5TfDEft We express our deepest gratitude to Ho Jae Kim for fostering artistic exploration and for inspiring our youth to dream bigger. 💙 📷️: Bochun Cheng, Yeo Workshop Contemporary, Brenda Nusenovich

As we think about what we’re most grateful for this week, our staff is at the top of our list. Their dedication inspires us daily, and gratitude fills our hearts as we look back on our recent annual staff retreat at Camp Scatico. Moments like these remind us of the strength, dedication, and connection that define our Apex for Youth team.💫 ⁠ ⁠ Each year, we come together for a multi-day overnight retreat to celebrate our achievements, tackle challenges, set future goals, and, most importantly, deepen the bonds that drive our shared mission. 🌟⁠ ⁠ Our retreat is a special time to reflect on why we’re so dedicated to empowering the next generation. Through fun activities from dance-offs and team challenges to sports, karaoke, and relaxing moments by the fire with s’mores and hot pot, we reconnected with each other, reignited our commitment to our mission and youth, and cherished the opportunity to come together as a team.❤️⁠ ⁠ #apexforyouth #staffretreat #teambuilding #gratitude ⁠ Melissa Alvey, Annie Tan, Jing-Jing Hu, Isabelle Li Shen S., Kim Thai, Assumpta Galang, Paul Jochico, Shirley Chen, LCSW, Heather Lee, Ashwath Srivatsan, Jiyoon Mary Chung, Amy Zhao, Ivy Li, Ellie Yeo, Jia-Ming Tuan, Allen Leung, Haywood Matthews, Leakena Khy, Yaya Yuan, LMSW, Danny L., Serena Wong

Upon graduating from high school, 91% of Apex youth feel more confident speaking up when something is important to them. 🌟 The journey at Apex for Youth is about helping our youth discover and amplify their voice —a sentiment perfectly captured by one of our high school mentees: “I definitely feel more confident in what the future brings me. I used to be someone that was unsure about the future and would be hesitant to ask for help and advice, but Apex has been a community that I know that I can rely on for support.” We empower young people to find their voice, advocate for themselves, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence. Processing big moments, like the results of the presidential election, can bring up so many emotions. We created a safe space for our mentees to share their thoughts, process emotions, and engage in open dialogue about how the results impacted them. 🗣️💭 We talked about how the election impacts us differently, how to navigate challenging conversations with friends and family, and the power of leaning on our community for support. Through open dialogue and “I” statements, we created a judgment-free zone where everyone could speak their truth and feel heard. Together, we can navigate these challenges, learn from one another, and continue building a stronger, more connected community. 🌍 #CommunitySupport #Election #ApexForYouth #Confidence

Building Bridges Through Community Partnerships ✨ Apex for Youth partnered with CACF: Coalition for Asian American Children and Families to host a special in-person edition of their monthly youth serving staff network meeting. Through activities like the River of [Your Organization] exercise, we reflected on the twists, turns, and milestones of our journeys in the nonprofit world. This gathering brought together leaders and advocates from incredible organizations — including CACF: Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Garden of Hope, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), Chinatown Youth Initiatives, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Women for Afghan Women (WAW), Glow Cultural Center — to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the impact we’re making together. From thoughtful reflections to creative moments and candid connections, this event was a powerful reminder of the beauty and growth that comes with navigating the challenges of our work. Through events like this, we’re reminded of the power of partnership in driving meaningful change. A heartfelt thank you to all our community partners and Apex staff for making this evening so impactful. Together, we continue to shape brighter futures for AAPI youth. 🫶 🎥: Clara Hung #AAPIYouth #Nonprofit #Community #Collaboration #Apexforyouth

With college application season nearing an end, Apex for Youth gave high school students a firsthand experience of campus life at the University of Connecticut and Wesleyan University. 💫 🏫 These tours encourage youth to pursue schools where they can thrive, feel comfortable, and explore their interests in an environment that aligns with their values.💡 Our mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces that enable students to explore their options and envision what the next four years could look like. Apex for Youth believes in providing opportunities that go beyond academics. Through experiences like these, we aim to empower young people to make confident decisions about their futures, knowing they have a community that supports their ambitions. 💙 🎥 Derek Kuey #ApexForYouth #CollegeAccess #CampusTour

On October 23, finance leaders Alex Chi of Goldman Sachs and Stellar Tucker of Truist Securities joined Apex for Youth for an inspiring evening of conversation. Moderated by Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu, the event celebrated the power of shared experiences and the value of community among Asian American professionals in finance. Building community within specific industries is central to our mission of empowering Asian American youth to confidently pursue their goals and thrive. By bringing together Asian American leaders in finance, we’re fostering intergenerational connections that strengthen professional networks and inspire rising leaders. This gathering is just the beginning—we’re excited to expand this initiative across more fields, working toward a future where our youth can realize their full potential. Our heartfelt thanks to Blue Owl Capital, Patrick Lo, and the Asians in Finance Planning Committee—Ray Chan, Alex Chi, David Jar, Andrew Kim, Gilbert Liu, Patrick Lo, Jazzy Lopez, and Kathy Wong for co-hosting this impactful gathering. Events like these strengthen our network and inspire the next generation of leaders.💙 Read more about this inspiring event on our website here: https://lnkd.in/g6hE7dQu For more information on how you can get involved with our Asians in Finance community, please reach out to development@apexforyouth.org. 📷: Erika Kapin #ApexForYouth #AsiansInFinance #Leadership #Community #Finance

🏀 Celebrating Another Season of We Run As One (WRAO)! Last month, Apex for Youth's We Run As One (WRAO) League practices resumed, and we’re thrilled to welcome our youth back to the court! As we start this winter season, we want to take a moment to celebrate our players and their achievements from this summer’s Championship Day. 🌟 WRAO provides a free basketball league for elementary and middle school students in Chinatown and the Lower East Side, offering not only basketball skills but also confidence-building and community support. With guidance from dedicated coaches, these young players develop their fundamentals and gain the invaluable experience of being part of a team that fosters cultural exchange and inclusivity. We look forward to a new season filled with growth, teamwork, and opportunities for our youth to shine on and off the court! 🎥: Samuel Park #WeRunAsOne #ApexForYouth #BasketballLeague #NYC #Chinatown #LES