APPLY
Application Guidelines
Please read all the following application guidelines before officially starting your application.
Eligibility Requirements
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Applicants must be current or rising high school students (Boston area: 8-12th graders); must be able to operate in EST unless otherwise noted.
Qualifications
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BranchOut!’s Three Core Qualities
1) Teamwork
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Strong team players who are willing to support and help others
2) Young Adult Responsibility
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Able to work independently and proactively without parental assistance
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Regularly checks and responds to emails and communicates appropriately with adults
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Follows program rules and instructions
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Available to attend in-person programs as required
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Able to travel independently to program locations (BranchOut! does not provide transportation)
3) Professional Communication
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Demonstrates strong communication, professional, and interpersonal skills
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Open to working in a diverse, multicultural environment
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Able to access and use Google Classroom
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Able to participate according to the program schedule (Eastern Time)
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Background & Skills
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Strong skills in Math, Science, English, Arts, Languages, or Technology
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Prior tutoring or relevant experience preferred
Time Commitment
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Time commitment varies by program and chapter. All BranchOut! Mentors are expected to be available to work in Eastern Time (ET) unless otherwise noted.
The Innovator, Explorer, and Community Workshops (Summer) require a commitment of approximately 2–3 weeks, with sessions typically held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET; the final schedule will be determined by the team leaders. These programs begin in July. Please note that the Tutoring Program follows a different schedule.
All Howard County programs are conducted in person, with the exception of the Howard County Autism Society program. Specific time commitments are to be determined.
All Baltimore City programs are conducted in person. Time commitments are to be determined.
Application Details
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Applicants will be required to submit the following materials:
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Two short-answer responses. It is recommended that these be drafted in a separate document and then copied into the application form.
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A copy of your résumé, including leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and any notable awards or achievements.
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Leadership Applications only: one reference letter
The letter may be written by a school teacher, coach, or another individual who has a professional relationship with the applicant (parents, tutors, and friends are not permitted). Recommenders should email the letter directly to vel@velbranchout.org, describing the applicant’s strengths, areas for growth, and why they would contribute positively to the BranchOut! program and student leadership team.
Application Deadlines & Fees
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Early Bird 1 Deadline: March 1, 2026 ($35)
Early Bird 2 Deadline: April 10, 2026 ($45)
Regular Deadline: May 11, 2026 ($55)
Rolling Applications ($35) open for Baltimore City Chapter students.
Students who wish to apply after May 11, 2026 should contact team@velbranchout.org to confirm space availability. Late applications are subject to a $85 processing and application fee. Please note that not all fees are refundable.
At BranchOut!, we believe leadership potential should never be limited by financial circumstances. Our mission is to empower every student to make an impact in STEM and civic engagement. If the application fee presents a barrier, please email team@velbranchout.org to request a fee waiver. No formal financial documentation is required at this stage.
Additional Information
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Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in an in-person or virtual interview. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, and early bird applications are strongly encouraged.
All applications to the BranchOut! program must be submitted through the online application form.
All new and returning student mentors are required to apply annually. Once accepted, student mentors may participate in any of BranchOut!’s spring, summer, or year-round programs through August 2025, though certain restrictions may apply.
New applicant: First-time applicants or those who took a gap year (did not participate last year).
Returning applicant: Previously accepted applicants from the 2024-25 cohort.
All application-related decisions and communication will be sent to the student email address provided in the application. Please be sure to use a personal (non-school) email address.
BranchOut! expects students (not parents) to communicate directly with the program team. This helps demonstrate the maturity, responsibility, and professionalism required to serve as a mentor or team leader.
Questions?
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Please visit our FAQ page, as many common questions are answered there. If you have additional questions not addressed in the FAQ, you may contact our headquarters at team@velbranchout.org. Please allow up to one week for a response. We appreciate your patience.
For Howard County Chapter–specific inquiries, please email hoco@velbranchout.org.
For Baltimore Chapter–specific inquiries, please email baltimore@velbranchout.org.
For Boston Chapter and general inquiries, please contact team@velbranchout.org.
Phone calls and personal messages are not accepted.
*See additional information for the definition of returning and new applicants
Why Join BranchOut!,
a National Organization?
Most school clubs offer a local perspective. BranchOut! offers a national one. When you join us, you aren't just joining a club; you are entering a professional ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between high school leadership and real-world impact.
The BranchOut! Advantage
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National Networking: Collaborate with high-achieving student leaders from across the country, not just your neighborhood.
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Civic & STEM Integration: Gain access to unique mentorship opportunities and curriculum that go deeper than standard school electives.
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Credentials: Distinguish your college applications with a national-level leadership role that demonstrates initiative and a global worldview.
Understanding the Enrollment Investment
Transparent. Impactful. Independent.
We often get asked: "Why is there an application fee when my school clubs are free?"
The answer is simple: Independence. School clubs are subsidized by your local property taxes and school budgets. As a self-funded national nonprofit, BranchOut! operates independently to ensure our programming remains innovative, high-quality, and open to students regardless of which school they attend.
Your application fee directly supports:
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National Infrastructure: The digital platforms that connect you with peers nationwide.
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Program Quality: Specialized STEM materials and leadership training resources.
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Organizational Integrity: Insurance, background checks, and administrative support to keep our community safe and professional.
Our Commitment to Access: We believe leadership should be accessible to everyone. If the application fee poses a financial hardship, we offer a need-based fee waiver. If this applies to you, email us at team@velbranchout.org to get a waiver.
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