Building Bridges Student Support Program

YMHC’s Building Bridges Student Support Program provides free virtual and in-person tutoring and mentorship for students experiencing school attendance challenges or other barriers to education and learning. Students are matched with caring post-secondary tutors or adult mentors who can offer academic help, study and organization support, encouragement, and one-to-one guidance. Building Bridges can also support post-secondary applications, career exploration, scholarship navigation, and resume and cover letter development. The program is flexible and relationship-based, helping students stay connected to learning, build confidence, reduce isolation, and move toward their goals at a pace that works for them.

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Tutoring, mentorship, and practical support for students

Youth Mental Health Canada’s Building Bridges Student Support Program provides free virtual and in-person tutoring and mentoring for students experiencing school attendance challenges or other barriers to education and learning.

The program is designed to offer flexible, individualized, relationship-based support. We help students stay connected to learning, build confidence, reduce isolation, and access practical academic and mentoring support in ways that respond to their needs.

Whether a student is catching up after missed school, feeling overwhelmed by coursework, preparing for post-secondary education, or looking for encouragement from someone who understands the pressures of school, Building Bridges is here to help.

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How Building Bridges can help

  • Academic tutoring

    Tutors can help students understand class lessons, complete assignments, prepare for tests and exams, catch up on missed work, and strengthen study habits. Support may be available in a range of subjects, including:

    • Math, functions, advanced functions, and calculus
    • Chemistry, biology, physics, and general science
    • English and French
    • History, geography, philosophy, psychology, and other social sciences
    • Study skills, organization, planning, and homework completion

  • One-to-one mentorship

    Mentors offer a supportive space for students to talk about their goals, challenges, and next steps. They can help students build confidence, create routines, navigate school expectations, and reconnect with learning at a pace that feels manageable.

    Students may benefit from a mentor who is patient, encouraging, calm, organized, good at explaining things, or familiar with anxiety and school attendance challenges.

  • Post-secondary education support

    For students considering college, university, or other post-secondary pathways, mentors can provide guidance with applications, application writing, navigating education websites, and understanding available options.

  • Career exploration

    Students who are considering different career paths can connect with mentors to explore their interests, learn about possible education and career routes, and gain perspective from someone with relevant experience.

  • Scholarship, resume, and cover letter support

    Building Bridges can also help students identify scholarship opportunities, review scholarship applications, and strengthen resumes and cover letters for employment, volunteer roles, or post-secondary applications.

Apply for support

Students can apply for tutoring or mentorship through the form below. The information shared will help YMHC understand the student’s learning needs, interests, availability, and the type of support that may be most helpful.

For students under 18, parent or caregiver consent is required before tutoring begins.

Building Bridges tutoring and mentoring does not replace emergency, crisis, medical, mental health, or school-based professional support. If there is an immediate safety concern, please contact emergency services, a crisis line, a trusted adult, or local mental health support.

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