Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
At Braven, we wholly believe in the power of mentorship. Mentors act as invaluable sources of support and guidance for college students, especially those who are first-generation college goers. They offer personalized advice, share experiences, and provide a safe space for students to discuss their hopes, fears, and plans for the future. This connection goes beyond mere academic guidance, fostering emotional well-being and confidence in students as they embark on their professional journeys.
This is why mentorship is embedded in our programming for college students. Throughout the Braven Accelerator course, students are paired with experienced professionals (also known as Leadership Coaches) to provide students with personalized guidance on leadership development, goal setting, and career exploration. To date, nearly 1,300 Leadership Coaches have volunteered with Braven, contributing nearly 17 million hours of their time toward our goal of empowering a generation of leaders who mirror the demographics of our country.
Upon completion of the Accelerator course, Fellows have access to Professional Mentors with whom they’re paired 1:1 based on their desired career fields. Professional Mentors support Fellows during their job/internship search. Additionally, they share valuable industry insights, advice on their career journeys, and help students develop the skills and connections necessary to succeed in their chosen professions.
Whether through the course or post-course support, we’ve seen the power of mentorship on our Fellows firsthand:
- 61% of Braven Fellows land quality jobs or attend graduate school within six months of graduation, compared to 47% of graduates of color from four-year public institutions.
- 75% of Braven graduates are already outearning their parents at the same age in their first job out of college. By comparison, by age 30, Americans have a 50-50 shot of out-earning their parents.
- 72% of Braven Fellows report feeling more confident in their skills and abilities and better prepared for their careers.
Mentorship programs like Braven’s help invest in the future of our workforce and ensure all college students, regardless of background, have the support they need to succeed. Investing in mentorship leads to building a stronger, more equitable society.
If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of diverse college students, consider becoming a mentor. Your guidance and support can have a profound effect on a Fellow’s future, opening doors to opportunity and empowering them to achieve their dreams. Learn more about becoming either a Leadership Coach or Professional Mentor here.