Press Releases
BRAVEN, a national nonprofit aimed at enhancing the economic mobility of college students, has partnered with DSU to integrate a three-credit online course into its undergraduate curriculum through a memorandum of understanding. This initiative, named the Braven Leadership Accelerator, is set to enroll 100 students in its inaugural spring 2024 semester, with projections indicating that over 2,100 students will benefit from it within five years. DSU President Tony Allen highlighted the significance of the program for DSU’s predominantly first-generation college student body, emphasizing the value of real-world insights for those aspiring to thrive in fast-paced, knowledge-driven careers. The Braven Leadership Program will offer DSU students weekly online classes and virtual learning labs in small cohorts, mentored by volunteer leadership coaches. The curriculum is designed to enhance various leadership competencies, including management, problem-solving, teamwork, networking, communication, and self-directed leadership.
In the Media
According to a survey by the nonprofit Gradient Learning, involving 1,418 teachers of grades 4-12, a resounding 95% believe in the universal benefits of one-on-one mentoring for students, with 82% recognizing its positive impact on academic outcomes and 83% on skill development for success. Further underlining the value of mentoring, statistics from MENTOR, an organization dedicated to enhancing mentoring opportunities, show mentored students are significantly less likely to skip school (55%), more likely to volunteer (78%), and more inclined to assume leadership roles (130%). Additionally, a Project Tomorrow survey, highlighted by THE Journal, reveals the deep concerns of two-thirds of parents regarding the emotional toll of COVID-19 on their children, accentuating the widespread call among educators and caregivers for increased attention to the social-emotional well-being of youth.