Braven Summit 2025 Explores the Future of Work, AI, and Student Opportunity at San José State University
300 professionals join Braven Fellows for a convening on preparing college students for strong jobs and upward mobility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
David Terry
Braven, david.terry@bebraven.org
SAN JOSÉ, CA (September 22, 2025) –
On Friday, September 19, more than 300 leaders from across the corporate, nonprofit, higher education, government, and philanthropic sectors convened at San José State University for the 4th annual Braven Put Education to Work Summit. The daylong event brought together thought leaders and Braven Fellows to tackle a critical question: how can we collectively support first-generation and low-income 4-year college students on their path to strong first jobs and upward economic mobility?
As AI and automation and an uncertain economic landscape reshape workforce demands, the Braven Summit surfaced cross‑sector strategies to ensure all students have the tools, relationships, and career education they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Over the course of the Summit, participants engaged in multiple tracks beyond the mainstage. Breakout sessions “Building the Evidence Base: Leveraging Data to Transform Lives” and “The Promise and Perils of AI” looked at how technology, data systems, and employer perspectives are being used to better align academic preparation with real-world job market demands.. In the afternoon, “Innovation in Higher Ed: An Increased Focus on Career Readiness” explored how colleges are rethinking curricula, engaging in employer partnerships, and professional mentoring in light of shifting skill demands. Additional panels explored workforce innovation, belonging, mentorship, and economic mobility–with Braven Fellows participating throughout–to highlight what it truly means to prepare students for the future of work.
Summit Featured Speakers Included:
“The conversation about the future of work isn’t abstract–it’s immediate and personal for today’s students,” said Aimée Eubanks Davis, CEO and Founder of Braven. “To compete and lead in a world shaped by AI and automation and ongoing economic uncertainty, students will need to excel in timeless human skills–like communication, adaptability, and resilience–paired with the ability to navigate and harness emerging tools. This Summit was a powerful reminder that when cross-sector leaders come together, we can ensure the next generation is ready not just to participate in the future of work–but to shape it.”
“Young people don’t fear effort–they fear public failure and humiliation,” said Dr. David Yeager, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas. “What adults sometimes interpret as apathy is often a protective response to unclear standards or unforgiving environments. But the solution isn’t to lower expectations–it’s to pair high standards with deep support. That’s the essence of what we call the mentor mindset. Students want to matter. They want the chance to do something meaningful, to develop unique skills, and to feel irreplaceable. When we challenge them and support them in equal measure, they can earn prestige–and grow into leaders. But when we give only support or only demand, we widen inequality. Braven is building the kind of environments where earned excellence is possible for everyone, not just the already advantaged.”.”
Braven has partnered with San José State University since 2014. As Braven’s inaugural university partner, SJSU helped shape the model that now serves thousands of students nationwide. Nearly 2,300 SJSU students have completed Braven’s year-long Accelerator course. Of those who have graduated, 86% were employed or enrolled in graduate school shortly after graduation, and 94% completed their degrees within six years–far outpacing national averages.
“As a public university in the heart of Silicon Valley, we have both a responsibility and a competitive advantage when it comes to preparing future leaders,” said Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University. “In collaboration with our faculty and career services, this partnership with Braven is helping us move beyond traditional academic outcomes–toward a vision of higher education that delivers on employment, economic mobility, and long-term impact. Our students are not just graduating–they’re launching.”
“Generative AI is reshaping the world of work by changing the skills every job requires,” said Karin Kimbrough, Chief Economist at LinkedIn. “At LinkedIn, we see demand for AI-related skills growing rapidly, alongside enduring demand for human strengths like communication, leadership, and creativity. To unlock opportunity for all, we need to invest in ensuring that workers from all backgrounds are set up with the skills and networks to succeed.”
These national conversations took on even greater urgency in San José, where Braven Fellows are launching careers in one of the most innovation-driven–and unequal–regions in the country. For Braven Bay Area, the Summit wasn’t just timely; it was local.
“In the Bay Area, our students are coming of age in one of the most dynamic–and demanding–job markets in the country,” said Diana Phuong, Executive Director of Braven Bay Area. “They’re navigating the rising cost of living, shifting skill demands, the acceleration of AI, and entire industries in transformation. For many, it’s all happening while they’re the first in their families to earn a college degree. That’s why hosting the Summit here matters. It sends a clear message: their potential is seen, their challenges are real, and they belong at the center of the conversation about the future of work.”
Summit Highlights:
Photography Available:
High-resolution photography from the Summit–including keynotes, panels, and Braven Fellow participation–is available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KkPsG9V79dSx8xp6SFUY7d-cNz9ZmZZX?usp=sharing.
Photo credit: Joshua Christie | Purpose Portraits
About Braven
Founded in 2013, Braven empowers promising college students with the skills, confidence, experiences, and networks necessary to transition from college to a strong first job. Braven is embedded within lower-resourced colleges and universities and partners with employers to build cutting-edge career education into the undergraduate experience. To date, Braven has served more than 14,000 Fellows nationwide across six sites, and Fellows are persisting in college and achieving exciting levels of internship and job attainment. For more information, visit braven.org.
