Branches Spring 2025

Jul 11

Branches interns take a photo with Art with a Heart interns on Parks & People’s green roof

This spring, Parks & People hosted 30 high school Branches interns from 18 schools across Baltimore. Among them, 14 were returning students. Our Branches program focuses on developing environmental stewards, preparing them for college or the workforce. Together, they brought energy, curiosity, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

What is Branches?

Branches is an after-school paid internship and workforce development program provided by Parks & People for Baltimore City high-schoolers. Afterschool high school programs are vital for Baltimore City youth because they provide a safe and supportive environment during critical hours, offer academic support and enrichment, and help prepare students for college and careers. Branches helps young people grow into confident, capable adults and opens doors to exciting opportunities and encourages students to get involved in their communities.

Core Focus Areas for 2025 Branches Interns

Hands-on environmental education: Interns are introduced to green careers that address a broad range of environmental topics.
Community-based collaborative projects: Interns identify issues in their community, establish relationships with community partners, and work together to develop innovative solutions.
Professional skill building: Interns participate in college preparation and workforce development activities.
Financial literacy: Interns increase knowledge of financial literacy through lessons in partnership with local financial institutions.
Character development: Interns engage in social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for well-rounded professional development.

2025 Enrichment Activities & Guest Speakers

College Visits: Stevenson University, University of Maryland
Outward Bound: Three outdoor team-building experiences
Art Installation: Created and installed 35 mosaic stepping stones with Art with a Heart interns, now displayed near our garden!
Workshops & Talks:
- Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) on domestic violence awareness
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation on oyster restoration
- Johns Hopkins: installed a campus weather station
- Councilwoman Porter on civic engagement
- Blue Water Baltimore on stormwater management
- Great Kids Farm: cooking and nutrition lessons
- Ushers New Look: virtual resume-building and certification sessions
- Art with a Heart: weaving with natural materials
- Tree Baltimore: forestry careers and tree planting (8 native trees)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): virtual session on environmental careers
- AdultWannaBe: time management in adult life
- Baltimore Social-Environmental Collaborative (BSEC): air quality, atmospheric pressure, and water quality sessions

Capstone Projects

Branches interns worked in teams to identify and address an environmental issue in their community. For example, one group tackled local pollution by organizing student-led trash cleanups. Each team presented their projects to Parks & People staff and peers at the end of the session.