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An Overview of the 2026 Howard County BranchOut! Open House


On Friday, March 20th, the Howard County Chapter launched its 25-26 season with an Open House Event. As the program enters its seventh year, the event set the tone for a successful and impactful season, bringing over 60 attendees, including both new and returning members.


By 6 PM, students began trickling in. The event opened with videos featuring BranchOut! alumni now attending schools such as Yale, UPenn, Tufts, UMD, Brown, and CMU. Each student provided their own unique background and experiences in BranchOut! and how the program helped them develop skills they continue to use in their current schools and careers, demonstrating the lasting impact BranchOut! has had on students’ futures. Ethan Gao, President of BranchOut!, and Cynthia Chang, an incoming freshman at JHU, also shared their experience with various BranchOut! programs and their impact on personal growth.


Following the alumni videos, student leaders Clara Luo and Mabelle Liu thanked the distinguished guests and community leaders for their continued support. Among them were Dr. Chao Wu, Dr. Linfeng Chen, Ms. Kui Zhao, Dr. Lanlan Xu, and Dr. Meina Liu, who each shared the important role BranchOut! plays in strengthening student development and future opportunities. Their words emphasized how BranchOut! is not only a platform for volunteering, but also an opportunity for students to grow, connect, explore their interests, and make meaningful contributions to our community. In addition, we would like to recognize several notable achievements. We are grateful that Maryland State Delegate, Dr. Chao Wu, is now a board member of BranchOut! National. We would also like to extend our congratulations to Ms. Cuiwei Zhao, a parent advisor since 2019, who received the Outstanding Service Award for her remarkable dedication to supporting HoCo Chapter student mentors.



These remarks were followed by the introduction of the various summer programs offered at BranchOut!, including the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP), Extended School Year Academic Intervention (ESY), and Innovative Pathways Credit Recovery. Each program is designed to support students at different stages of their academic journeys and help address learning gaps. 


  • Black Student Achievement Program: Running for seven weeks and serving over 800 students, the BSAP program offers both acceleration and enrichment opportunities for HCPSS students entering grades K–9. BranchOut! mentors play a key role in supporting this effort, contributing over 200 volunteer hours to assist teachers with preparing materials and working one-on-one with students! 

  • Extended School Year Academic Intervention: The ESY program focuses on supporting elementary school students who need additional help in core subjects such as reading, writing, and math. In addition to academic support, volunteers also assist with after-school activities, including physical education, art, and group games. This past session, six tutors supported two elementary schools, contributing a total of 212 volunteer hours! 

  • Innovative Pathways Credit Recovery: This program is designed for high school students who are working to earn or recover high school credits to stay on track for graduation. BranchOut! tutors provide support in a variety of subjects, helping students understand challenging concepts, complete assignments, and build confidence in their learning. During the most recent session, seven tutors contributed a total of 195 volunteer hours!


BranchOut! also partners with organizations such as the Howard County Autism Society (HCAS), where volunteers work with students in grades K–12. This program focuses on supporting students with autism by helping them strengthen academic skills while developing communication and problem-solving abilities. Beyond these in-person programs, BranchOut! also offers year-round opportunities, including virtual opportunities. Check out the BranchOut! website (link) to learn more about our year-round programs and how to get involved! In addition, two new initiatives were introduced: Artistry in Action, which aims to promote art education and creative expression, and Bold Voice, which focuses on empowering students through public speaking and communication skill development.


“I had a fantastic time hearing from the speakers and connecting with Branchout mentors. I’m so excited for another incredible season ahead!” - Clara, HoCo student leader

The Open House concluded with inspiring remarks by Dr. Ming Li, Principal of HCCS, and Dr. Lei Zhang, on behalf of the Chair of the HCCS Board of Directors. Looking ahead, we are excited for the future of BranchOut! Howard County chapter. With so many dedicated students, mentors, and programs already in place, we can’t wait to see what this community accomplishes next. As new students join and returning members take on greater leadership roles, BranchOut! is positioned to continue growing, making a meaningful impact, and inspiring more students to get involved.






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