The collaboration advances a shared mission to ensure every young person who needs one has a trusted adult volunteer mentor. Through this support, young people are empowered to overcome challenges, build confidence and achieve positive outcomes in education and beyond. 

The impact of mentoring is transformational for the thousands of young people benefiting from MCR Pathway’s programme each year, aligning closely with the Grant Thornton Foundation’s focus on social inclusion. 

By harnessing the skills and experience of its workforce, Grant Thornton will help open up new possibilities for young people to realise their potential, believe in themselves and raise their aspirations.

Abigail Fisher, chief people officer at Grant Thornton, said: “Our partnership with MCR Pathways reflects our belief that every young person deserves the chance to realise their full potential.

“By providing mentors to the programme, we’re helping create futures full of opportunity and possibility. This is an exciting opportunity for our people and we’re proud to be part of it.”

In the last academic year, more than 103,000 volunteering hours were delivered by MCR Pathways mentors, supporting 7,174 young people across the UK. Research consistently shows that having one trusted adult who shows up can be transformational.

Mentors support young people through critical transitions beyond school, helping them navigate education, apprenticeships, training, employment and long-term career pathways.

The programme continues to deliver strong outcomes. In the charity’s latest survey, 99% of participants said their mentor was a good role model, 98% said mentoring helped them become the best version of themselves, and 97% said it improved their confidence.

Sharon McIntyre, CEO of MCR Pathways, said: “Grant Thornton is an incredibly progressive partner for MCR Pathways. Their commitment to community impact creates a powerful opportunity to expand mentoring and support more young people across the UK. The skills, experience and knowledge their people bring will open up new worlds of possibility.”