College Enrollment Rate Continues to Rise for Myanmar-Americans in USA
College going rate among Burmese-Americans increases 114% in seven years
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2018 – A study released by Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) today finds the college-going rate among Myanmar-Americans, one of the fastest-growing minority populations in the United States, has increased to 92 pecent this year.
The researchers at BACI found that the college-going rate among the Burmese has increased from 43 percent in 2012 to 92 percent in 2018, a 114% rise in 7 years.
“We are delighted to see the continued rising number of students who are planning to attend college,” said Lian Sang, Director of the Institute’s Upward College Programs that help prepare high school students for college readiness and success.
The study also shows that 173,150 Burmese refugees have been admitted to the United States since 2000. While more than 25,000 Burmese individuals are residing in Indiana, 19,440 are calling Indianapolis their new home. The overall Burmese population in the U.S. is estimated to be over 300,000.
The researchers who employed Participatory Action Research (PAR) also found that the college persistence rate among Burmese students has stayed above 95 percent for the past four years, with a rate of 96.6 percent in 2017. This figure is considerably higher than the U.S. persistence rate at 73.9 percent for the same year.
Indiana State Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch Office Representative Maureen Hayden said “The fact that so many ethnic groups are living and working together in Indy is extraordinary, and the research you presented today is absolute proof that you students back there, you help us create a stronger, healthier, place to live here in Indiana. You make our communities stronger, you make us more welcome and more inclusive. I want to thank you again for your presence here today and every day. You are making Indiana a better place to live.”
In his remarks, Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of BACI, emphasized the importance of the U.S. leadership in providing protection and a new hope for Burmese refugees which reflects America’s leadership, compassion, and rich tradition of welcoming newcomers from around the world, underscoring the BACI’s 60 year vision and Myanmar 2050.
“We are grateful for the US leadership. We remain committed to further materializing the vision of ‘Education for all, a stronger community’ by strengthening our partnerships with the U.S. Government, Indiana, and our partners to ensure newcomers are becoming economically self-sufficient, integrated, and productive citizens.” Vahnie said.
In addition to empowering new Americans by security in their rights and liberties through English and civic education and assisting community members with gainful employment and microenterprise development as they are becoming fully engaged and contributing citizens, the Institute has also maintained a 100% post-secondary education enrollment rate among students involved in the Upward College Program.
“With the leadership and a broader policy environment that encourages collaborations and embraces diversity and fosters common interests, these promising young leaders are achieving their fullest potential. That is why we are stronger here locally and ultimately towards a win-win”.
Over 200 stakeholders and community members attended this annual event where the research findings and solution-oriented policy recommendations were unveiled.
The study topics include Burmese political and civic participation, behavioral health and success, college persistence and economic impact, higher education and college enrollment rates, women’s empowerment and integration, and the U.S. refugee resettlement program and secondary migration.
About Burmese American Community Institute
The Burmese American Community Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through strategic partnerships and advocacy. Since its inception, the BACI has assisted nearly 6,000 individuals.
Media Contact:
Phone: 317.731.5537
Email address: info@baci-indy.org
Leaders of stakeholders and community members at the BACI 7th Annual Research Presentation
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