For an increasing number of American youth, entering the work force is far more challenging that they might expect. A variety of sectors report not being able to fill available jobs due to applicants having insufficient skills. This growing misalignment between the demand and supply for skills means that young people will continue to be underemployed over the next decade. In fact, due to underemployment, young Americans ages 20-24 will lose an estimated $21.4 billion in earnings over the next 10 years. Since youth career engagement and workforce development programs provide youth with the necessary skills and experience to gain access to career-building jobs, the need to invest in such programs is more urgent than ever; these programs are increasingly finding that structured mentoring is a vital aspect of quality workforce preparation. This brief is meant to provide an overview of the state of youth workforce development in the United States and to illustrate the role mentoring can play in increasing youth career exploration and workforce development.