Kean University is taking a bold step toward ensuring student economic mobility through a new strategic partnership with Braven, a national nonprofit dedicated to career success. Announced this week, the collaboration will introduce a credit-bearing course designed to equip students with the networks and skills necessary to land high-impact jobs immediately after graduation.
The initiative is set to launch in Fall 2026.
At the heart of the partnership is Braven’s Career Accelerator, a 3-credit course that blends online learning with high-touch mentorship. The program will debut within the College of Business and Public Management and the liberal arts bachelor’s program, with plans to scale campuswide.
By 2028, the university expects to reach 1,000 students annually. Participants, known as “Fellows,” will focus on mastering six core competencies:
- Career Navigation
- Professional Communication
- Teamwork & Leadership
- Problem-Solving
- Self-Organization
“We are building a university where opportunity is within every student’s reach,” Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. said. “Our partnership with Braven will help ensure that we are empowering our students to step into the workforce ready to lead, innovate and thrive.”
The partnership comes at a time when “underemployment” is a growing concern for recent graduates. However, Braven’s model has shown significant success in reversing that trend.
| Metric | Braven Graduates | National Peers |
| Quality Job/Grad School (within 6 months) | 61% | 43% |
| On-Time Graduation Rate | 92% | ~70% |
| Completed at least one Internship | 70% | 48% |
The experience doesn’t end when the semester finishes. Once students complete the course, they join a national network of over 14,000 alumni. This community provides ongoing access to:
-
Curated job and internship listings.
-
Professional coaching and networking events.
-
A “Learning Lab” environment led by volunteer professionals from top industries.
Samantha Crockett, Braven New Jersey Executive Director, noted that the expansion is a major milestone for the state’s workforce. “Together, we are strengthening New Jersey’s workforce and helping more students graduate ready to lead,” she said.
For Kean University—New Jersey’s urban research university—the move reinforces its commitment to social mobility, ensuring that a degree leads not just to a diploma, but to a sustainable and thriving career.
