Apex for Youth Empowers Thousands of AAPI Youth Throughout NYC and Online
Over 33K Hours of Mentoring, Mental Health Services, and Athletic Programs Address Socioeconomic Barriers to Success, According to Annual Report
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire Apex for Youth, one of the largest organizations in the country serving primarily Asian American youth, today announced the results of its 2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting key achievements and ongoing challenges faced by Asian American youth in New York City. The report underscores the organization's commitment to empowering underserved youth through mentorship, mental health services, and athletics.Apex for Youth https://apexforyouth.org/
In 2024, Apex reached a significant milestone, with 933 volunteers providing over 33,000 hours of programming to 2,564 youth across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and online. These volunteers were critical in supporting the organization's mission of empowering Asian American youth from low-income and immigrant backgrounds.
According to the report, 92% of Apex youth reported a stronger sense of self, with the ability to embrace their strengths and identities after a year of participation in Apex programs. Furthermore, 91% of high school graduates said they feel more confident speaking up for themselves when it matters most. With 84% of students expressing satisfaction with their college or career pathways, Apex is making a measurable impact in shaping the futures of young people in one of the most underserved communities in the city.
Despite these successes, the report also highlights the disproportionate challenges facing the Asian American community in New York. Nearly half of all Asian American youth in NYC live in or near poverty, and the community remains severely underfunded in terms of service contract dollars, despite comprising 18% of the city's population. Additionally, the report notes that 20% of Asian American youth live in homes where no one over the age of 14 speaks English fluently, further exacerbating barriers to opportunity.
Jiyoon Chung, Executive Director of Apex for Youth, commented on these disparities, stating,
'In a city where 1 in 2 Asian American youth lives at or below the poverty level, the need for targeted, culturally adept services is urgent. Our community must receive the funding and resources it deserves to address systemic inequities. At Apex, we believe in the power of transformative relationships through mentorship and programs that holistically address the needs of youth based on their age, racial identity, and socioeconomic status. We are inspired by the families we serve as we strive to unlock youth potential today, providing access to critical resources that otherwise would not be available, while opening a world of opportunity for tomorrow.'
The findings of the 2024 Annual Impact Report also draw attention to the mental health challenges faced by the community. Asian Americans have the lowest rate of any racial group in seeking mental health services, contributing to the disturbing statistic that suicide is the leading cause of death among Asian American youth. Apex remains steadfast in its mission to provide not only educational opportunities but also emotional and mental health support for youth navigating these complex realities.
Despite these obstacles, Apex continues to offer essential programs that foster leadership, academic success, and personal well-being for Asian American youth. The organization remains a vital resource for the community, and its Annual Impact Report serves as a call to action for continued support from the community as well as a thank you to the staff, volunteers, and board members responsible for making 2024 a powerful year for AAPI youth.
To learn more about Apex for Youth and how you can support their mission, visit: https://apexforyouth.org/
About Apex for Youth | Apex for Youth Apex for Youth empowers Asian American youth from low-income and immigrant backgrounds to unlock their potential today and a world of possibility tomorrow. With 1 in 2 Asian American youth living in or near poverty in NYC, our holistic approach is expertly tailored to our youth's age, racial identity, and socioeconomic status. Our programs combine impactful mentorship with access to critical resources for our youth and their families that would not have otherwise been available. Apex creates systems of support for youth from elementary school to young adulthood. Based on shared identities and experiences, we foster transformative relationships with a community of caring adults - from mentors and therapists to athletic coaches and career guides. Through Apex programs, low-income Asian American youth have the resources and support to break through socioeconomic and racial barriers, creating their own future with a sense of agency, belonging, and confidence. We are building a world without limits for all Asian American youth.
Jennie Mazur Jones
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