Braven
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Braven
The Problem
Many first-generation and low-income students do the hard part—earn a college degree—yet still end up in low-wage jobs because no one has shown them how to turn a diploma into a career.
What Braven Does
Braven slips a career-readiness class right into the normal course list at a college.
Students meet once a week for a semester.
Each small team is guided by a working professional who volunteers an hour on Zoom.
Together they practice résumés, interviews, LinkedIn outreach, and the soft skills that employers expect but colleges rarely teach.
The Results
After the class:
About six out of ten Braven students step straight into jobs that require a degree. At similar colleges without Braven it’s closer to four out of ten.
Their average first-year salary is roughly $51,600—about $9,000 more than comparable graduates.
It costs Braven about $2,200 per student to make this jump happen—roughly the price of a decent laptop.
How Braven Spreads
A campus tries it. Students land good jobs and talk about it. Word reaches nearby schools, and they invite Braven in.
State leaders take notice. Seeing the success, states such as New Jersey and Illinois have already let colleges treat Braven like any other credited course, so tuition dollars cover the fee. Other states can copy the rule.
Companies join the circle. Firms send employees to coach for an hour a week; in return they gain a pipeline of prepared, diverse talent and often hire the very students they mentored.
Graduates give back. Once Braven alumni settle into their new careers, many return as volunteer coaches, keeping the circle turning without endless outside funding.
How You Can Help—Pick One Step
Tell someone. Forward this email to a friend, professor, or hiring manager. Spreading the word really does start new campuses.
Chip in any amount. Even $5 helps buy student workbooks and online meeting tools. Donate here.
Volunteer an hour a week. If you work anywhere—from finance to design—you can coach a small student team online. Braven will train and match you.
Make an introduction. A short email connecting Braven to a college dean or an HR director can open a brand-new site.
(Thinking bigger? Reply to this email and we’ll connect you directly with Braven’s staff.)
Want the Impact Details?
Outcome charts, financial filings, and the full research summary live here: [Braven Toolkit].