The Need;
Youth face numerous challenges in today's complex world.
- One million UK youth ages 16-24 are NEET (not in employment, education or training)
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic youth are disproportionately affected by unemployment and lack of access to career networks.
- Nonprofits providing in-person mentoring have long waitlists due to scarce mentors; digital platforms allow scale.
- Existing programs are unable to provide relatable role models with shared cultural backgrounds.
- Youth organisations report difficulty finding and retaining mentors
- Corporates interested in mentoring youth lack a structured way to get involved
- Youth leaders wanting to support youth progression lack safe and supportive programs to do so.
Mentoring For Youth will provide the essential guidance, support, and role models necessary for young people to successfully navigate life's obstacles.
Additional Challenges in Youth Mentoring
Mentoring For Youth addresses the challenges youth work and the youth mentoring sectors face, including limited accessibility, lack of diverse mentors, and the need for personalised support in a digital age.
Additional Challenges in Youth Mentoring include;
- Scarcity of youth mentors
- Long waitlists to access youth mentoring
- Lack of mentor initial and ongoing training
- Difficulty sustaining consistent mentoring relationships over time
- Lack of supportive infrastructure for mentoring programs
Consultation
We consulted 100 young people and our corporate partners to develop Mentoring For Youth and its mentoring programme. Their insights shaped the platform's features, including diverse mentors, workshops, and a secure online environment, ensuring it effectively supports youth in their personal and professional growth.
What Young People said
We spoke to 100 young people engaged in our local youth engagement programme. Findings included;
- 60% spoke of a lack of regular engagement with trusted, career-achieved adults
- 72% identified a lack of opportunities to safely explore ways to access credible information about next steps online
- 89% experience fear and anxiety about AI and future careers
- 85% requested personalised learning aligned with key interests
- 75% experienced fear of entering employment and/or becoming NEET youth
- 69% of young people and parents want autonomy in mentoring choices
What Corporates said
Our corporate partners said there is a
- Need for meaningful human connections, especially with most professionals working from home.
- Desire for innovative ways to improve staff performance, leadership, and mental wellbeing
- Lack of opportunities for reverse mentoring and shared learning
- Need to demonstrate commitment to celebrating and profiling the achievements of Black and Global Majority professionals
What we hope to achieve
Mentoring For Youth will bridge the gap between youth mentors and youth from all backgrounds worldwide. By partnering with grassroots community organisations, schools, and local authority youth services and providing access directly to parents and caregivers, we aim to provide young people with relatable mentors and role models who can offer guidance, support, and insights.