The BranchOut! Blog

Boston may run on Dunkin’, but it also runs on the MBTA. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has evolved throughout its half-century of existence (although predecessor systems date back to 1834). It includes the oldest subway in America and the third-oldest in the world, making it one of the longest-running and most expansive public transit systems in the United States. Which makes its history of unreliability all the more baffling. The MBTA is divided into the Com

This August, at Broad Cove Reserve in Maine, I stood beside a small wave-energy prototype while families and children gathered around to watch. The device was designed to turn wave motion into electricity—powering live demonstrations like wireless charging and "Tony," a small sea turtle toy that shared stories about the ocean. Since toys like Tony are especially popular with younger kids, I hoped he could catch their attention long enough for me to introduce them to the scien

It’s fire season across the country. A few weeks ago, my home state, Massachusetts, looked up and beheld a sepia-yellow sky, like something out of Breaking Bad. You could step outside and smell something burning. Something was, hundreds, thousands of miles away. A flare-up of wildfires across Ontario and far northern Minnesota kicked up a cloud of smoke, moved by jet streams across a wide swath of the Great Lakes, New England, and a significant portion of the Northeast. It wa

The chapter's continued growth also reflects the dedication of its student leadership team, whose vision and commitment have helped expand BranchOut!'s impact throughout Howard County. The 2025–2026 leadership team includes Ethan Gao as Chapter Head; Clara Luo as Assistant Chapter Head and Mabelle Liu as Senior Director of Education, all of whom serve as BranchOut!’s national board members as well.

Most teenagers start making financial decisions long before landing their first full-time job. Whether deciding what to spend on, figuring out how to save, or wondering what investing even means, students constantly navigate money without always having the tools to feel confident. BranchOut!’s Financial Literacy for Teens Symposium was created to change that. Bringing together attendees across six states, the event brought financial and career professionals together with hig