Wednesday, May 6, 2026
DENTON (UNT), Texas — University of North Texas students in the university’s inaugural Braven Career Accelerator course celebrated the end of a spring semester focused on professional development and career readiness.
Beginning in 2025, UNT partnered with nationally recognized nonprofit Braven to offer the Braven Accelerator Course to students looking to succeed in today’s competitive job market, many of whom are first-generation college students. The partnership — Braven’s first in Texas — reflects UNT’s expanding commitment to student success and career readiness. Ranked 34th in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report, UNT launched the course for transfer students in Spring 2026.
“Our partnership with Braven will give more students access to experiences that ignite confidence, open doors and shape bright futures,” said Lisa McIntyre, UNT’s vice provost for student success. “Working with the Braven team, who share our commitment to purposeful partnerships, highlights the power of collaboration to transform student journeys and help graduates leave ready to make their mark.”
To date, Braven has served more than 15,500 students nationwide and has a strong track record. According to Braven's 2026 Jobs Report, 57% of its 2025 graduates secured a quality career outcome, defined as a bachelor’s-required, full-time, paid position or graduate school enrollment, within six months of graduation, outpacing peers at institutions with similar proportions of Pell Grant recipients by 12 percentage points. Additionally, 92% of Braven Fellows graduate on time compared to 70% of peers, and 2025 graduates were 28 percentage points more likely than college graduates nationally to have completed at least one internship.
Listen to: Happy Friday North Texas podcast, May 1. #58 - Braven Career Accelerator at UNT
"Launching in Texas, and at UNT specifically, is a milestone for us. UNT's commitment to transfer students and social mobility aligns deeply with what Braven is about,” said Camille Ojinmah, senior director of Braven UNT. “Seeing this first cohort of Braven Fellows complete the Accelerator is a genuine proof point that this model works here. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Students in the Braven Career Accelerator course are placed in small working groups, or subcohorts, each led by two industry professionals serving as leadership coaches. Throughout the semester, students build professional portfolios, participate in networking opportunities, develop leadership skills and collaborate on a capstone project under the guidance of their coaches. Students who complete the course are designated Braven Fellows and receive ongoing support and access to Braven’s alumni network after graduation.
William Kim, facilitator for the UNT Braven Career Accelerator, addresses students at Live Your Legacy
“Over the course of the semester, I've seen our UNT Braven Fellows’ confidence soar,” said Amanda Foltz, director of student success at UNT and instructor of record for the course. “They're leaving with the ability to articulate their values, interests and goals, collaborate in team-based environments using design thinking and confidently navigate professional spaces beyond the university.”
Part celebration and part closing ceremony, the final class meeting — titled “Live Your Legacy” — featured structured discussion, remarks from leadership coaches and time for Braven Fellows to reflect on their work. Winners of the Live Your Legacy awards and capstone challenge, selected by leadership coaches, were also recognized.
Leadership coach Stephanie Murphy (’05, ’11 M.A.), who earned degrees in English and political science from UNT, said her mentorship experience reminded her of her own time as a student.
“As a first-generation college student from a low-income, immigrant household, I didn’t have clear guidance on how to navigate higher education or my career. A program like Braven would have made my path much easier," Murphy said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see what the students have gotten from this experience.”Madeline Ledesma (left) accepts a Live Your Legacy award
UNT's Madeline Ledesma (left) accepts a Live Your Legacy award
Madeline Ledesma, a junior majoring in political science, said the course has been helpful as she pursues her goal of attending law school.
“I talked with leadership coaches about the different paths and how to stand out as a prospective law student,” Ledesma said. “They helped me create a plan and identify the steps I need to take to get there.”
For senior psychology major Sage Rodriguez, the Braven community has been one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
“I’ll be graduating next year, and knowing I’ll have the Braven network is reassuring,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve already utilized their referral system. It’s so helpful to know those resources will continue to be there.”
From UNT News – Featured News