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ABOUT US
Bridging Gaps. Building Leaders.
Branching Out.
Since 2015, BranchOut! has been planting seeds of opportunity across communities, connecting young people and programs needed to thrive.
PART OF
Veritas Education Leaders — a 501(c)(3) organization committed to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and growing alongside communities and students. BranchOut! is a proud community outreach initiative of Veritas Education Leaders.
WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
BranchOut! is a multicultural STEM education program designed to promote STEM learning and address achievement gaps through fostering cultural understanding and civic engagement.
As a community outreach initiative for youth, we aim to connect communities by inspiring a passion for learning and creating spaces for collaboration, support, and inspiration.
Civic Engagement
Professional Communication
STEAM Excellence
Critical Thinking
Cultural Understanding
Student Leadership
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The Founding Story
In late 2015, a talk by former Dean Jim Ryan of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Dr. Chad Womack of the United Negro College Fund sparked a call to action. The conversation centered on how to prepare students for 21st-century careers and develop youth interest in STEM.
"How do we prepare students for 21st-century careers and develop their interest in STEM?"
— Dean Jim Ryan, Harvard Graduate School of Education & Dr. Chad Womack, UNCF · 2015
Dr. Wu, a Harvard alumna, answered that call. In a matter of months, BranchOut! was created to bridge the achievement and cultural gaps that persist in the current educational system.
BranchOut! officially launched in 2016 with 20 high school students from the DC area, who served as mentors at the DC International Charter School, planting the first seeds of what would become a national movement.
OUR JOURNEY TIMELINE
A Decade of Impact
A Call to Action
A talk by former Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, James E. Ryan, highlighted the importance of STEM education in preparing students for 21st-century careers.
In response, Dr. Yuhsien Wu, an HGSE alumna and Chair of the D.C. Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance, partnered with Richard Wang to create a youth STEM mentoring program, known today as BranchOut!.
2015
Introduction to A STEM Mentoring Program
BranchOut! created a STEM peer-mentoring program to build a more supportive learning environment. In 2016, with support from Harvard alumnus Simon Rodberg, 20 high school mentors worked with students at DC International Charter School. NWEA MAP results showed mentees made stronger math gains than nonparticipants.
2016
Milestones: Endorsements, Partnerships, Achievements
BranchOut! gained support from leaders including Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, and Ralph Northam, while the Calvin Li Foundation provided funding. It earned 501(c)(3) status, expanded to new schools and shelters, grew to 60 mentors across four states, and became a President’s Service Award certifying organization.
2017
New Achievements
With support from CAPA Montgomery County and Dr. Jonathan Brice, BranchOut! expanded into Maryland, joining Montgomery County Public Schools’ summer credit recovery program. Mentors also taught STEAM activities in Virginia, while Senator Tim Kaine showed support by sending a representative to the organization’s annual celebration attended by over 250 people.
2018
Core 4 Program Rebranding
Innovator: Gives high school students a professional environment for creating apps and educational projects that expand opportunities for underserved communities while building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
Online Tutoring/Mentoring: BranchOut! mentors provide academic support to students, promoting educational equity and cross-cultural collaboration to help close the achievement gap.
Research Project: Students investigate social issues, present and publish their findings, and raise community awareness while developing critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills.
DMV Expansion, National Awards, Community Recognition
BranchOut! earned a Fairfax County Gold Star Award and expanded to new community centers in 2019. It launched the Innovator program and created the SOLve app, which won third place in the U.S. Congressional App Challenge. By 2019, BranchOut! had grown to 150 mentors, 13 locations, and over 8,400 service hours while broadening into community outreach through mentoring, innovation, research, and role model programs.
2019
2020
Baltimore City Chapter
BranchOut!’s second MD chapter, the Baltimore City Chapter, was established in January 2025 by Elizabeth Liu, Elshaday Fasil, and Megan Chiu. Since its founding, the chapter has recruited members from more than four schools, established partnerships with four community organizations, and launched its own after-school coding program. BranchOut! Baltimore City has remained committed to its mission of fostering mentorship, expanding STEM opportunities, and empowering youth in historically underserved communities.
2025
Los Angeles, Iowa City, New Haven
2026 marked a year of significant growth for BranchOut!. From the heart of Iowa to the California coast and the Northeast, new chapters were established in Iowa City, Los Angeles, and New Haven. Continuing to recruit members, develop programs, and build meaningful community partnerships, BranchOut! remains dedicated to branching out to youth all across the nation.
2026
BranchOut! News
