Youth-Initiated Mentoring: Exploring the Experiences of Youth and Caregivers Who Were Unable to Secure Their Own Mentors

This article examines the experiences of three families who were unable to secure mentors through a Youth-Initiated Mentoring (YIM) program. YIM is an emerging mentoring model that invites youth to identify adults in their existing networks and nominate them as mentors. The emerging evidence on YIM has been largely positive; however, important opportunities remain to explore potential risks. Data were collected from six participants, who included youth ( n = 3) and their caregivers ( n = 3). Participants were involved in a YIM program at a Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in Canada. Data were collected via observations and interviews and analyzed using qualitative coding procedures. Results indicated families participated to be matched with a mentor they knew and trusted, and to expedite their matching process. Nominees were youth professionals and adults closely connected to the family, who were described as caring, knowledgeable, and playful. Two families engaged in unstructured mentor-nominations without program support. Risk-mitigation strategies helped set expectations and prepare families. Participants reported disappointment and frustration after not successfully recruiting mentors. Directions for future research and practice are discussed. This article addresses the critical need for research on the risks of YIM, contributing to a more balanced discussion of the emerging mentoring model.