BRAVE Summit Shines in St. Augustine
On a sunny Wednesday—March 26, 2025—the St. Augustine Amphitheater filled with excitement. More than 2,600 high‑school students from ten Florida counties gathered for the 5th annual BRAVE Summit, a free event created by UF Health St. Johns Care Connect. BRAVE stands for Building Resilience and Valuing Everyone, and that spirit guided the day.
A Day of Learning and Hope
The summit’s goal was simple and powerful:
- Teach teens how to handle tough times.
- Share honest facts about mental health, drugs, and alcohol.
- Build self‑confidence and acceptance.
Students heard uplifting speakers, joined art projects, and even tried a silent disco. Free food and bright smiles were everywhere. Over 80 community groups set up booths so youth could ask questions and find help.
CareerSource NEFL Brings Future‑Ready Fun
Doreen Lund, Apprenticeship Manager, and Atheia Gillespie, Youth Services Manager, represented CareerSource Northeast Florida. They:
- Explained training, job‑search help, and apprenticeships.
- Cheered students on in a lively Jenga challenge.
- Shared “Might as well be awesome!” stickers that quickly became crowd favorites.
Their message was clear: Every young person has talent, and CareerSource NEFL is here to guide it.
Energy That Lasts Beyond the Day
Students left wearing custom hats, temporary tattoos, and big grins—signs of the groups that inspired them. Organizers plan to grow the BRAVE Summit statewide, so even more teens can gain tools for wellness and career success.
Keep the Momentum Going
Are you a student—or a parent or educator—looking for free career and training support? Visit CareerSource NEFL’s Youth Services page to explore workshops, apprenticeships, and one‑on‑one guidance.
Together, we can help every young person in Northeast Florida say, “I might as well be awesome!”
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