Kean University and Braven Collaborate for Bright Futures
In an ambitious initiative to enhance career readiness among students, Kean University has announced a strategic partnership with Braven, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering college students. With the program set to launch in Fall 2026, this collaboration vows to better equip students with the skills and networks necessary for successful careers.
What is Braven’s Career Accelerator?
The Braven Career Accelerator will offer a 3-credit course aimed at enhancing professional development. Initially available to sophomores and juniors within Kean’s College of Business and Public Management, it promises to expand to the entire campus, potentially benefiting up to 1,000 students each year by 2028. This innovative course structure includes five to 10 peers learning collaboratively under the guidance of trained Leadership Coaches, fostering competencies crucial for today’s job market.
Empowering First-Generation College Students
Through this partnership, Kean University aims to break down barriers for first-time college attendees. As Katherine Gallagher, Senior VP for Student Success at Kean, explains, the program is designed to enhance social mobility by providing crucial mentorship and real-world career tools. The aim is to open doors to meaningful opportunities, especially for students who might lack such support at home.
Braven’s Proven Success
Braven has already showcased remarkable outcomes nationwide, with 61% of its 2024 graduates finding quality jobs or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation—18 percentage points higher than their peers. Additionally, Braven fellows enjoy a 92% on-time graduation rate, along with increased internship participation compared to national averages. This success reinforces the potential positive impact Braven can have at Kean.
Looking Ahead
Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., envisions a university where opportunity is accessible to all students. The collaboration with Braven seeks to bolster this vision by intertwining higher education with practical workforce preparation. As Aimée Eubanks Davis, Braven’s Founder, states, this partnership not only aligns with their mission to foster economic mobility but also strengthens New Jersey’s workforce.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Kean and Braven partnership signifies more than just an educational initiative; it represents a commitment to empowering students with the tools necessary to thrive in a competitive world. This alliance may lead to a new generation of professionals equipped to navigate and lead in their respective fields.
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