Apex for Youth hosted its first-ever college fair at the Apex office on May 11, bringing representatives from more than 40 colleges directly into the community. The event aimed to make the college application process more accessible for students who may not have the resources to attend traditional fairs or visit campuses.
The initiative matters because many low-income and underserved students face barriers in accessing information about higher education. By holding the event in a familiar setting and gathering multiple institutions—including CUNY, SUNY, and private colleges—Apex sought to provide a space where students could explore their options without logistical obstacles.
Students were able to meet admissions representatives, ask questions about schools, and compare different institutions all in one afternoon. Assumpta Galang, Associate Director of College and Career Success at Apex for Youth, said: “College fairs can help low-income students discover colleges, compare options, and ask direct questions about affordability in one place. Research also suggests that underserved students often have less access to college exploration resources at school, including college fairs themselves, which makes well-designed outreach especially important.”
The presence of Apex alumni who are currently attending colleges such as Columbia University, New York University, and Hunter College added another layer of support. These alumni shared their experiences with attendees so that prospective applicants could hear relatable advice from peers who had once been in their position.
Community partners such as The Posse Foundation, Reading Partners, Hamilton-Madison House, Scholarship Plus, AtomicMind Foundation, Greater NY Chinese Dollars for Scholars, and Garden of Hope participated by offering information on scholarships and academic support services. This collaboration was intended to ensure families had access not only to admissions guidance but also financial aid opportunities.
Organizers say they hope this event is just the beginning of broader efforts to support youth as they consider post-secondary pathways. “Our vision is for every young person in our community to see Apex as a trusted resource as they navigate what comes next,” according to Apex for Youth.
