Braven, Inc.

Braven partners directly with universities and employers to empower underrepresented students with the professional skills, mindsets, networks, and experiences they need to gain equitable access to strong first jobs after college graduation.

Braven begins with a credit-bearing course followed by a post-course experience that lasts through graduation. The course is a hybrid of online and in-person learning, in which Fellows practice and achieve mastery in five professional competencies. Volunteer professionals, called Leadership Coaches (LCs), facilitate the in-person time, sharing real-world application and providing feedback. The post-course experience offers additional opportunities to deepen skills and networks and keeps Fellows on track to securing a strong job within 6 months of graduation. Employer partnerships contribute to both parts of the model. Employers from local companies serve as LCs building the skills and networks of Fellows. Employers also sponsor events and recruit diverse talent for their open internships and entry-level roles.

Our work is increasing graduation rates and early career success. Ninety-seven percent of all Fellows are persisting in college, they are 1.8 times more likely to obtain a strong summer internship than their peers on campus, and our first cohort of college grads increased their shot at securing a strong first job by 40 percent. Over time, we plan to serve 500 Fellows per year from each campus, and ultimately create a talent pipeline 100,000 strong. From Braven will come a generation of leaders as diverse as our future demands.