UMass Lowell and Braven Launch Career Accelerator for Students
UMass Lowell has partnered with Braven, a national nonprofit organization, to enhance career preparation for its undergraduate students. This five-year collaboration aims to equip between 1,275 and 2,700 students with the necessary skills and connections to secure competitive jobs and pursue graduate studies.
Julie Chen, Chancellor of UMass Lowell, emphasized the university’s commitment to providing high-quality, career-connected experiences for each undergraduate. She stated, “We are always looking for new ways to expand access to these internships, fellowships, and other opportunities, and our partnership with Braven greatly enhances the portfolio of options.” This initiative will offer vital mentorship, skill development, and professional networking opportunities for students navigating a rapidly changing job market.
Program Structure and Benefits
The program consists of a three-credit undergraduate course offered through the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Students will engage with Braven’s online platform, completing weekly modules and applying their learning in virtual Learning Labs. These labs, facilitated by volunteer professionals known as leadership coaches, will focus on five key competencies: operating and managing, problem-solving, teamwork, networking and communication, and self-driven leadership.
Upon finishing the course, students will continue to access Braven’s online portal, which includes resources such as a regular job newsletter and a one-on-one mentorship program. In spring 2026, approximately 75 UMass Lowell students are anticipated to participate in the course, joining a network of over 14,000 Braven alumni across the country. Initially, the program will target students from the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, who possess diverse skill sets valuable across various sectors, including STEM fields.
Impact on Local Economy and Student Success
This partnership marks Braven’s first collaboration in the region, reinforcing UMass Lowell’s initiatives to strengthen the transition from college to career. “We’re thrilled to launch our first partnership in this region with Chancellor Chen at UMass Lowell,” said Aimée Eubanks Davis, founder and CEO of Braven. “This initiative represents a critical investment in the region’s talent pipeline. By fostering deep employer partnerships and engaging alumni, we are creating a sustainable model that not only benefits students but also strengthens the local economy.”
Braven has demonstrated impressive results nationwide. According to data, 61% of Braven’s 2024 graduates secured quality full-time jobs or continued their education within six months of graduation, outperforming the national average by 18 percentage points. Additionally, Braven Fellows have achieved a remarkable 93% on-time graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of approximately 80%.
Overall, this partnership between UMass Lowell and Braven is poised to significantly enhance student outcomes, thereby contributing to economic growth and workforce development in the region.
