Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: BranchOut! at UCA 2024
Four of BranchOut!’s student leaders participated in the 2024 United Chinese American (UCA) Convention in Washington, DC, from June 27th to June 29th. The convention attracted over one thousand participants from across the United States, Canada, and many other countries. UCA 2024 allowed the BranchOut! members to connect with many influential political, economic, and business figures.
At the convention, BranchOut! students met influential AAPI leaders like Dr. Larke Huang and Mr. Norman Chen. In addition, BranchOut! members were able to voice their concerns directly to the offices of Senators Jon Tester and Dick Durbin through UCA’s Congressional Day, addressing issues such as education and mental health services.

Using BranchOut!’s poster display, BranchOut! student leaders introduced convention attendees to the various community service programs we initiate and participate in. This year, Branchout! was once again recognized by UCA as a top youth program in the country and received a Certificate of Achievement.
Ethan Gao, a student leader for the Howard County BranchOut! Chapter shares, “The 2024 UCA Convention was an eye-opening experience for me in many regards. It provided me with unmatched insight into the struggles the Asian American community faces, and the many speakers who addressed and shared their personal experiences with discrimination were truly an inspiration for the next generation of Asian American leaders.”




