Fostering Connections: How Mentoring Relationships Can Promote Youth Social Capital

Little is known about how mentors support mentees in strengthening social capital. It is theorized that mentors support mentees in building new connections and strengthening existing relationships (i.e., connection‐building support). This mixed‐methods study examines how connection‐building support contributes to mentee's network mobilization in pursuit of life goals. Survey data were gathered from youth ( n = 122) ages 13–18 (88% youth of color; 57% female). A path model tested the association between connection‐building support and mentee goal attainment and occupational identity via network mobilization. Interviews with 12 mentor‐mentee pairs further elucidated how mentors support mentee social capital. Connection‐building support was indirectly associated with greater progress toward life goals and stronger occupational identity via network mobilization. Qualitative findings added nuance on mentor actions that support mentee social capital. Findings highlight implications for practice and offer considerations for strengthening youth social capital in mentoring relationships.