Just off the New Jersey Turnpike in Newark is a fairly nondescript building, in an industrial district on the banks of the Passaic River. It is a squat, block-like grey thing, windows facing out across a sea of concrete parking lots and gas tanks. The air is smoky, and on hot days, you can smell the mixture of natural gas, animal fat, and sewage from the other plants in the area. Surrounding it are iron walls, faced inwards, resembling an umbrella topped with barbed wire. Asi

When we flip on a light switch or charge a phone, the electricity powering those devices originally comes from a natural source. In traditional energy systems, that energy often comes from burning fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas. However, burning these fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Renewable energy systems work differently. Instead of burning fuel, they capture energy from natural processes that occ

On Sunday, June 14th, the vibrant sounds of music, the smell of local food, and the bright strokes of fresh paint filled Windsor Street in Cambridge. The occasion? The annual Port Arts Fest, hosted by the historic Community Art Center (CAC). For the team at BranchOut!, it was an unforgettable day of service. A dedicated group of our Asian American student volunteers—spanning from 8th to 12th grade and representing four different local schools—stepped up to support this inc

In the 1930s, as part of housing reforms connected to the New Deal, the newly created Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) made color-coded maps to represent perceived mortgage risks neighborhood by neighborhood. From best to worst, neighborhoods were colored green, blue, yellow, or red. Neighborhoods inhabited mainly by racial minorities (especially black people), immigrants, or the working class in general were marked red and deemed “hazardous.” Greater Boston was considere

Catch the Wave Through Blue Tech

The housing crisis is a pressing issue affecting many regions across the United States, with Massachusetts serving as a notable example. Even with the rising costs of housing nationwide since the COVID pandemic, Massachusetts has faced exacerbated challenges due to elevated interest rates and high material costs. These financial pressures, combined with restrictive zoning laws that excessively regulate the type and nature of buildings in certain areas, have led to significant

Newton, Massachusetts is a city with a mean income of about $190,000, according to Data USA, and a 96% graduation rate according to the U.S. News and World Report. Newton, of course, is generally considered a ‘rich’ town. As such, I did not initially think that my town had many problems with poverty. They were never our problems; they were always someone else’s. They were not to be seen in our everyday lives.

BranchOut! co-founders engage attendees with their STEM trivia game, promoting STEM education and mentorship. BranchOut! was proud to participate in the 3rd Annual Civic Expo hosted by Burlington Buzz in partnership with the Town of Burlington at Burlington High School. This free, family-friendly event brought together town departments, boards, commissions, and local nonprofits — all under one roof — giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at how Burlington operates and how

That climb was exhausting, but it pales in comparison to the metaphorical mountain Asian Americans have been forced to scale for centuries. Our history in this country has been one long, steep ascent against a landscape of exclusion.

On February 18th, a group of high school students from the Boston area visited one of Harvard University's research labs in Cambridge. Organized by BranchOut! Boston, this visit offered the students from high schools a firsthand look at the world of scientific research and innovation.

This New Year’s Day was freezing cold. Newton City Hall, though, buzzed with life as my BranchOut group and I made our way upstairs through the crowds. The inauguration of Marc Laredo as the 32nd Mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, was about to begin. The audience in the City Council Chamber included people from all walks of life. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey was there, as was Chief Justice Kimberly Budd of the Supreme Judicial Court, both to the side of the podium. Sever

BranchOut! Boston (Newton, Lexington, and Cambridge Chapters) had the honor of attending the inauguration of the new mayor at Newton City Hall on January 1st, 2026.

On October 5th, the Kreeger Auditorium at Bender JCC of Greater Washington was filled with energy, inspiration, and gratitude as we celebrated a major milestone—our 10th anniversary. This special event brought together community members, students, mentors, and leaders to celebrate ten years of growth, leadership, and impactful service.

On October 18th, the Boston Chapter of BranchOut! had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the vibrant Cambridge Block Party. This lively community event brings neighbors together to celebrate local culture and creativity. We collaborated closely with the Community Art Center, a hub for fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

A decade ago, BranchOut! began with a mission to empower youth through education, mentorship, and community engagement. Today, we are proud to celebrate 10 incredible years of impact, growth, and success stories! 📽️ Watch our special 10th Anniversary Celebration video to relive the moments that shaped our journey! 🌱 Our Impact Over the Years: ✅ Thousands of students mentored & empowered ✅ Community partnerships that foster inclusivity ✅ Recognitions & awards for outstanding

Join us on Sunday, October 6th at 7 PM ET to celebrate with BranchOut! and learn more about how to join us next summer. During the event, we will review our progress this year, recognize top performers, announce the leadership team for next year, and answer your questions about how to join BranchOut! This virtual Zoom event will function as a celebration for the current BranchOut! mentors and an Open House for those interested in joining next summer. Register now for free:...

BranchOut! Boston organized a visit for a group of high school students to a Harvard science lab in Cambridge on August 22nd. During the visit, the students received a comprehensive tour of the labs and the facility and had the opportunity to interact with scientists and researchers who shared insights about their projects. Ben, a PhD student at the lab, enthusiastically discussed his recent research on polymers and their ability to enhance the viscosity of substances. Additi

On August 6th, a group of high school students had an incredible opportunity to go to the Massachusetts State House, and meet Auditor Diana DiZoglio. Students were not only invited on a tour, but they also had a discussion, learning Auditor DiZoglio’s story in becoming a state elected official, as well as asking questions, and speaking out on the issues that mattered to them most. As the daughter of a single mother, Diana never thought she would one day become state auditor.

BranchOut!'s annual picnic is a place for our students to demonstrate their leadership skills while connecting with others.

Are you interested in how our government works? Are you curious about what our state leaders do to better our education system and community? BranchOut! is honored to have the opportunity to meet with State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, the chief accountability officer for state government in Massachusetts. Diana's role is to improve government accountability and transparency by conducting audits, studying fraud and financial challenges, and creating appropriate solutions. With suc