From Social Work to STEM: Braeden DeLong, Make48’s New Kansas Ambassador

The Make48 team is growing, and our newest addition is already hitting the road to bring Make48 to every corner of the Sunflower State. Meet Braeden DeLong, the new Kansas Ambassador.

With a background that spans nine states and a career dedicated to youth development, Braeden isn’t just joining a team; he’s continuing a lifelong mission to be a ‘voice for good’ in the lives of students.

Braeden DeLong, Make48 Kansas Ambassador

A Journey to the Midwest

A self-described “military brat," Braeden lived in nine different states before finding his way to the heart of the country. While his family roots are firmly planted in Ohio, it was a move from Reno, Nevada, to Lindsborg, Kansas, to play soccer at Bethany College that truly anchored him in the Midwest.

Braeden quickly fell in love with the "slower pace of life" in the middle of the country, but it was his early career in social work that defined his professional compass. While working at a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) for boys in Salina, he found he was naturally gifted at connecting with youth in crisis, but the work took a heavy emotional toll.

“I was good at it, and I loved it, but I realized I was a little bit too much of a softie,” Braeden reflects. “I landed on a line I still use today: I want to be more proactive in kids’ lives versus reactive.”

That shift in perspective changed everything. Seeking to influence young people before they reached a point of crisis, he shifted his focus toward mentorship and community building. This “proactive” philosophy guided him through roles as a youth director and eventually a leadership position at Worlds of Fun, where he first crossed paths with Make48 CEO Tom Gray.

Braeden DeLong and Tom Gray

The Patterson Partnership: Fueling the Mission

Braeden’s transition into his new role comes at a historic moment for Make48. Thanks to a transformative grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, the ‘Innovation Experience’ is now accessible to rural schools across Kansas and western Missouri at no cost.

This grant covers the full cost of the Standard Tier program for up to 40 schools, providing online teacher training, turnkey curriculum, and even eligibility for student teams to compete on the Make48 television series. For Braeden, this grant is the fuel for his mission. It removes the financial barriers that often keep rural educators from “shiny” new programs.

“With the Patterson Family Foundation, even though it's free, teachers need to feel supported because their lives are busy,” Braeden says. “My entire role is getting in contact with them and being physically present.”

Seeing is Believing

Braeden’s path to Make48 actually began across the negotiation table. While spending three years at Worlds of Fun, he was approached by CEO Tom Gray about a potential sponsorship. However, a major corporate merger in 2023 meant the timing wasn't right for a professional partnership.

But Tom gave Braeden a simple invitation: “Come and see.” Braeden took him up on it, attending events at Children’s Mercy Stadium and Operation Breakthrough. Those tastes of the competition were all it took to hook him. “It’s cool that I got to see something I loved so much, and now I can actually bring that to other people.”

Now, as the Kansas Ambassador, Braeden has moved to being the primary bridge between the Patterson-funded curriculum and the educators who need it most.

Teachers Are Using This to Transform Their Classrooms

This video provides a practical look at how the Make48 Innovation Experience actually works inside a classroom, which helps illustrate the curriculum Braeden is bringing to Kansas schools.

After working his first official event in Wichita, Braeden found the perfect way to describe the high-intensity, high-reward atmosphere of a Make48 competition.

“It had huge mission trip vibes. You get all these adult leaders from different industries... You do hard work the whole time. Then you wake up super early and do it again. You’re super exhausted, but it feels like you just completed a lot.”

That sense of community extended to the Tool Tech team, where Braeden fit right in by simply being himself. Whether he's navigating rural Kansas or joking with the makers, his goal is authenticity.

On the Road with Brody

When he isn't connecting with teachers in towns like Sublette or Oakley, you’ll likely find Braeden outdoors. He’s an avid fan of live music, and activities like soccer, volleyball, and paddleboarding.

Of course, he never travels alone. Braeden is almost always accompanied by his best friend Brody, his 9-year-old yellow lab, and his favorite cross-country driving companion.

“If I’m not traveling for work, it’s loading him up in the car and just getting away. He and I do a lot of cross-country driving.”

Looking Ahead

As Braeden looks toward the next few months, his focus is on building long-term relationships rather than just hitting numbers.

“It’s not about the turn-and-burn. These are long-term relationships. All the people that said 'no' this year, I am still going to continue to walk alongside them and support their schools.”

We are thrilled to have Braeden’s passion, energy, and "proactive" spirit on the team. If you see a yellow lab and a guy in an Ohio State shirt at a Make48 event, be sure to say hello!

Here are some fun facts about Braeden:

• Favorite Movie: The Fox and the Hound

• Hobbies: Beach Volleyball and Paddleboarding

• Music: EDM/House

• Education: Bethany College (Go Swedes!)