BRAVE empowers young people with hands-on training and real-world experiences that build leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while helping them step beyond their comfort zones to reach their full potential.
BRAVE creates ongoing community events and initiatives that bring people together to celebrate common ground and honor differences – ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
BRAVE facilitates international exchanges for several U.S. Department of State social impact programs in Austin, promoting cross-cultural social innovation and diplomacy.
BRAVE supports a variety of services that help to promote healthy emotional, mental, and physical well-being based on participants and communties’ feedback and surveys.
The #MakeATXBRAVE Young Leaders Challenge is a youth-led initiative powered by BRAVE Communities. The Challenge invites young people to design and implement Community Engagement Initiatives that use technology responsibly to strengthen democracy, inclusion, financial well-being, and collective care in Austin.
What Is the Challenge?
Teams of 3+ Austinites, ages 14-24 years old, are required to:
🗓 2026 Timeline
📣 Jan 19 – Challenge Launch at BRAVE’s MLK Community Gathering
📝 Feb 1–28 – Applications Open
👀 Mar 1–10 – Application Review
📧 Mar 12 – Winners Notified
⚙️ Mar 13 – Apr 30 – Project Execution + Office Hours
💰 Mar 26 – 50% of funds released
🎥 By Apr 30 – Digital final report or <5-minute impact video submission due
🏆 May/June 2026 – Awards & Recognition Event + remaining funds released
