Phoenix, AZ. – September 11, 2025 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBS Central Arizona) joins Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in sounding the alarm around a growing crisis among young adults aged 18–25: a striking lack of career confidence and critical access to mentorship. According to the 2025 Youth Mentorship Access Report, conducted by The Harris Poll, a staggering 74% of young adults report lacking access to mentorship – the very resource shown to profoundly enhance career and life outcomes.
- Only 41% of young people feel highly confident navigating today’s job market, a number that further declines without mentorship.
- Yet when young people have mentors:
- 84% say mentorship opens doors to possibilities they wouldn’t have seen on their own
- 83% agree a mentor bridges classroom learning with real-world success
- 81% say mentorship boosts confidence in making school, work, and life decisions
- 65% have had a career-changing conversation with an adult outside their family
“Mentorship isn’t optional—it’s essential,” says Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Every young person deserves a champion in their corner.”
LOCAL IMPACT & 70-YEAR LEGACY
As Central Arizona works to uplift its next generation, BBBS Central Arizona stands ready to bridge this mentorship gap—one meaningful relationship at a time.
This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona proudly celebrates 70 years of serving youth in our community. Since opening our doors in 1955, we have matched thousands of “Bigs” and “Littles” across Maricopa County and beyond. While the challenges facing young people have evolved over the decades, our mission remains the same: to empower every child to reach their full potential with the support of a caring mentor.
Why this matters now: Our local youth face the same uncertainty outlined in the national data, despite strong educational achievements, many feel unprepared to launch into careers confidently. As we mark seven decades of mentorship, we are doubling down on our commitment to prepare the next generation for school, work, and life success.
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP
- Volunteer as a Big: A few hours a month can open doors to opportunities and build lasting confidence for a young person.
- Support as a Partner: Local businesses and organizations can invest in the future workforce through sponsorships, mentorship collaborations, or community outreach.
- Advocate: Share the importance of mentorship and encourage others to get involved.
