APEX (Asian Professional Extension, Inc.) is dedicated to empowering underserved Asian American youth in New York City through a combination of one-to-one mentoring relationships and educational programs that have a measurable impact on youth.

Description and/or History:
The organization was founded in 1992 by a small group of young professionals who recognized that Asian American youth, particularly recent immigrants, have unique needs and mobilized volunteers to address them. APEX encourages youth to be well-rounded, productive leaders by helping them build their self-confidence, explore academic and career goals, and develop a sense of community and service. Through mentoring relationships and other educational and social service programs, APEX helps youth overcome the multiple challenges they face through the cultivation of valuable relationships that broadens their horizons and encourages them to embrace their Asian American identity.

In the last two years, APEX has grown rapidly, serving more than 550 youth annually with the participation of over 200 active volunteers. APEX serves the Asian American community of New York City’s five boroughs; staff members are ethnically and culturally diverse and are competent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean. APEX has the crucial support of foundations, corporations and individual donors as well partnerships with schools, community-based organization, and governmental agencies.

APEX currently has five distinct programs serving Asian American youth in New York City:
• The Mentoring Programs currently serves middle school and high school students and addresses the personal, educational, and social needs of students through individual relationships with adult volunteers. The Middle School program is an on-site program implemented at Alfred E. Smith Elementary School P.S. 1 in Chinatown and the High School program is community-based. Mentors are selected for their demonstrated commitment to and interest in working with a young person for at least a year and for their ability to provide support, guidance and exposure to new opportunities. Fostering a meaningful mentoring relationship is achieved by spending time with the young person through various activities, such as providing academic assistance, attending cultural events and participating in APEX mentoring workshops. Through this program, students are able to improve academically, develop stronger interpersonal skills and a more positive self-image, as well as cultivate valuable and memorable friendships.
• The SAT Prep Program seeks to equip students for the standardized college entrance examination by building confidence and awareness in test-taking strategies and subject materials. The ten-week course, held twice a year, consists of classroom instruction and diagnostic exams.
• The College Preparation Program consists of a series of modules and tours designed to equip students with appropriate resources and tools. Workshop topics include college application processes, writing an effective personal statement, financial aid and scholarships, and career development. College tours, held within and outside New York State, are held for students to learn about campus life, programs of study, and different student organizations.
• The Public Speaking Program provides a general framework for understanding and practicing English speaking and listening skills. The after-school program is an on-site partnership with the Lower East Side Preparatory High School (LESP) and the NBC Universal Page Program. LESP’s student population is predominantly recent immigrants and English Language Learners who are over-aged and under-credited. Whether speaking to an audience or joining a conversation, this program boosts students’ confidence in engaging others in dialogue.
• The 4th Grade Prep Program prepares students for the statewide standardized English Language Arts (ELA) and Math exams, which determine placement in New York City public schools for students starting in the 6th grade. Conducted in partnership with Alfred E. Smith Elementary School P.S. 1 in Manhattan’s Chinatown, the program’s main objectives are to provide academic support and teach test-taking strategies to do well in the exams.

Contact people:

Judy Yu, Program Director, (212) 748-1225 x101, (email) Kelly Wong, Program Coordinator, (212) 748-1225 x102, (email) Ji Yeon Yi, Program Coordinator, (212) 748-1225 x104, (email)

Address:

352 7th Avenue, Suite 201 New York, NY 10001 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the 1, 2, 3 to 34th St.-Penn Station. You can also take the R, Q, W, N, B, D, F, V to 34th St-Herald Square.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 1, 2, 3, R, W, N, Q, B, D, F, V,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5 minutes