Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025: New Grants Aim to Boost Youth Skills and Careers, Starting 2026

The Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025 is all about setting up and boosting mentoring programs for young people, particularly those who could use an extra hand. It amends the existing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, throwing resources behind programs designed to help kids and young adults succeed in school, get into college or vocational training, and land good jobs. The core idea? Connect young people with mentors who can help them develop not just job skills, but also those crucial "soft skills" like communication and problem-solving. It also puts a big emphasis on social-emotional learning.

Roots of Resilience: Building Futures Through Mentoring

The law authorizes the Secretary of Labor to issue grants, starting in fiscal year 2026 and running through 2030. These grants are competitive, meaning organizations have to apply and show they've got a solid plan. The money's meant for community-based organizations and partnerships (think nonprofits teaming up with local businesses or schools) to either kick off new mentoring programs or strengthen existing ones. The grants can last up to three years. It specifically defines "eligible youth" to include both in-school and out-of-school youth, focusing on those facing academic challenges, risk factors like involvement in the juvenile justice system, or those from underserved communities. (SEC. 2)

For example, a local community center in a high-poverty area could use this grant to pair high school students with mentors who work in growing industries. These mentors could provide guidance on everything from college applications to resume writing, while also helping students develop communication and teamwork skills. Or a program could focus on kids who've had run-ins with the law, providing them with mentors who can offer support and help them get back on track. "Mentoring" itself is clearly defined as a structured, long-term (at least a year) commitment with regular meetings, involving screened and trained volunteers. (SEC. 2)

Beyond the Books: Real-World Skills and Support

It's not just about one-on-one mentoring, though. The bill also encourages programs to offer things like career exploration, job readiness training, summer jobs, and even apprenticeships. It wants to see programs that are inclusive and take into account things like trauma, cultural differences, and disabilities. The bill also pushes for coordination with private employers and schools, recognizing that it takes a village to raise a successful young person. Grant recipients will need to show how they're tracking things like academic improvement, dropout rates, employment, and even social-emotional development. (SEC. 2). And it mandates a study by the Secretary of Labor within three years to see what's working and what's not. (SEC. 3)

One potential challenge? Making sure the money goes where it's needed most and that programs are actually effective. The bill prioritizes organizations serving high-need youth, but it will be important to ensure those priorities are followed. The reporting requirements are there to keep things on track, but they'll need to be enforced. The bill's focus on long-term, structured mentoring, along with its emphasis on both cognitive and social-emotional skills, sets it apart. It's not just about getting a job – it's about building a foundation for a successful life.