A new Canadian study has revealed that mentorship is a powerful tool for improving employment outcomes for young people, but it also highlights a significant gap in access to this critical support for Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) youth.
The Mentorship Divide
The comprehensive 18-month research project was led by Mentor Canada in partnership with the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC). It surveyed 3,110 young adults aged 18 to 30, including a specific cohort of 1,618 racialized respondents. The quantitative data was enriched by in-depth interviews with 23 youth and 13 mentoring stakeholders.
The findings present a stark contrast. On one hand, more than four in five BIPOC young adults who have had a mentor reported that the relationship was instrumental in helping them develop essential skills for success. On the other hand, the study uncovered that nearly one-third of all racialized youth surveyed do not have a mentor at all.
Impact and Benefits of Guidance
For those who do have access to mentors, the benefits are wide-ranging and profound. The report details that mentors provide guidance on everything from post-secondary applications and job searches to practical help with resume writing and interview preparation. They also offer crucial support in navigating workplace challenges.
The impact is measurable. Young people who had mentors before the age of 18 were more likely to be employed or enrolled in school as adults compared to their non-mentored peers. Beyond career prospects, youth with mentors were also more likely to report excellent mental health, a stronger sense of overall well-being, and a greater feeling of belonging in their communities.
A Call to Bridge the Gap
Tracy Luca-Huger, the Executive Director of Mentor Canada, emphasized the critical role mentorship plays. "Mentorship is recognized by racialized youth as a key factor in navigating early adulthood, advancing careers and overcoming systemic barriers," she stated. "Yet, with more than 80 per cent of participants identifying at least one barrier to mentorship, the findings expose a significant gap."
The study concludes that for racialized youth, who often face unique systemic hurdles, mentorship is not just beneficial but essential. Mentors help them set and achieve goals, build confidence, and access career opportunities, while fostering essential skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. The research, presented at the Canadian Mentoring Summit in Calgary in November 2025, serves as a clear call to action to make mentorship more accessible to all young Canadians.
