BRAVE Young Leaders (BYL) program is a 4-month initiative aimed at empowering young people aged 14-24. This program, running from September to December (Fall semester) and January to May (Summer semester), features bi-monthly interactive activities designed to build leadership, community engagement, interpersonal and intercultural skills.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

⭐ Diverse Participation: Open to young people, ages 14-24 years old, from various racial/ethnic backgrounds, family incomes, sexual orientations, and educational levels in Central Texas

⭐ Leadership Development: Enhance skills to lead, engage peers, and influence change through a social justice and racial equity lens.

⭐ Community Engagement: Plan and execute a community service project, earning service hours or internship credit.

⭐ Social Justice Focus: Explore issues related to mental health and marginalized communities.

⭐ Connection and Empowerment: Develop cultural and racial consciousness, prioritize mental health, and gain resilience tools.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

🎯 Build confidence and enhance leadership, interpersonal, communication, and critical-thinking skills.

🎯 Engage in dialogues on personal, cultural, and social issues.

🎯 Foster a community of civic-minded peers.

🎯 Destigmatize mental health through ongoing activities.

🎯 Collaborate on community projects, preparing participants for workforce success.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

💗 In-Person Meetups: Held on the second weekend of each month, featuring interactive games, discussions, and cultural excursions.
💗 Virtual Meetups: Held in the fourth week of each month, focusing on planning a community event for MLK Day on Saturday, January 18, 2025 and International Youth Service Weekend - End of April, 2025.