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

At BranchOut!, we believe that exceptional leadership isn’t born overnight—it’s forged through challenge, collaboration, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Recently, we concluded our intensive leadership interview process for the upcoming season. To say the caliber of talent was impressive would be an understatement. This year’s invited candidates hailed from 15 schools across 6 states (CA, IA, MA, NY, VA, MD), including both public and private schools.

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

The BranchOut! The Baltimore chapter celebrates its one-year anniversary after an impactful, intentional, and exciting year. What is BranchOut! Baltimore Chapter? The Baltimore City Chapter is a student-led initiative under BranchOut! Veritas Education Leaders, a nonprofit program dedicated to providing academic mentorship and promoting STEM engagement within underserved and underprivileged communities in Baltimore City. Data from Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS) highlig

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

Branching out—stepping beyond the familiar—is the cornerstone of personal growth and a key differentiator in the competitive landscape of college admissions. When students push themselves to explore new environments, they move from being passive participants to active architects of their own lives.

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.

The BranchOut! LA Chapter was founded in 2025 with a simple yet impactful mission: to make science, math, and the arts accessible and engaging for young students. The chapter aims to promote curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for a future in STEAM. At the same time, the team works to promote cross-cultural understanding from an early age. At the center of the LA Chapter's work are interactive STEAM activities designed to make learning fun and meaningful. Rathe

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.