The Burmese Population in The U.S. Reaches Over 130,000, College Going Rate Increasing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2014 – INDIANAPOLIS, USA: A study led by the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) has found the growing Burmese population in the United States and rising number of college going rate among the Burmese high school graduates.
The research presentation was held in conjunction with the successful completion of summer intensive research program where 27 scholars investigated the issues and challenges facing their communities and presented the findings on the six different research areas with policy and solution recommendations to the stakeholders.
The main findings include 132,231 Burmese Refugees admitted to the United States since 2000. Of the total, 17,500 are residing in the State of Indiana, and approximately 12,000 are making Indianapolis their new home, comprising of 83 percent being the Chin ethnicity.
The Karen and Chin ethnic groups were found to be the two largest, representing 46 percent and 33 percent of the total Burmese in the US.
The new information was released at the celebration of the organization’s three years in service and advocacy at Southport High School on August 2, 2014, where more than 150 dignitaries, public elected officials, leaders, and community members participated.
“The U.S. Government’s legal and policy arrangement for the long term protection of the refugees is fundamentally important. And assisting these individuals and community becoming economically self-sufficient and integrated so that they become contributing citizens of our shared community and global democratic society is as crucial as anything”, said Elaisa Vahnie, executive director of the Institute.
“That is where we have been focusing on, and will continue to do so; collaboratively working with our partners”, continued Mr. Vahnie.
Another major finding indicates the drastically increasing college going rate among the Burmese high school graduates in Central Indiana in the past three years – raised by 54 percent from 2012. The college going rates stay at 43 percent 2012; 57 percent in 2013; 72 percent in 2014 respectively, with only 66 percent of total number of the 2014 high school graduates surveyed.
“We are pleased to see the continued rising number of students who are planning to attend college in the future”, said Lian Ceu, manager of the Institute’s Upward College Program.
The Burmese American Community Institute was founded in 2011 and primarily sought to empower the Burmese community living in Central Indiana through advocacy and investing in education. The BACI provides educational and vocational support through a variety of programs, initiatives, and strategic collaborative partnerships.
“As much as we are delighted by the level of positive impacts that our services and advocacy are bringing upon our community, we are committed to continue working with our partners towards achieving our common goals of building a strong community in Indiana and in the U.S.” said Dr. Ro Dinga, Chairman of BACI.
Contact: Burmese American Community Institute.
info@baci-indy.org
317.731.5537
