Myanmar Young Scholars Met with Congressional Office, Federal Agencies

INDIANAPOLIS/WASHINGTON DC, July 24, 2019—Forty-seven young scholars who are participating in the Burmese American Community Institute’s Upward College Summer Scholars Program toured Washington, D.C. from July 28th to 30th. The trip is designed to introduce the young scholars to the national level policy processes, American democratic institutions, and its rich history.

During the trip, the scholars met with the office of U.S. Senator Todd Young, officials of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

“By having the opportunity to interact with leaders and policy makers, our hope is that the students will be better informed, inspired, and motivated to achieve academic excellence, their leadership potential, and continued success,” said Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of BACI.

“These young stars are not only productive citizens of the society, but they are already assuming leadership responsibilities in our local communities, and serving as agents of change in the society, while promoting stronger ties between the U.S. and Myanmar towards a win-win in the long-run”, Mr. Vahnie said.

The interactive meetings with the congressional offices and federal agencies emphasized the legislative and policymaking processes, national security and international affairs through the 3Ds (development, diplomacy, and defense) and how local issues are interconnected with the global happenings around the world. The engagement also underscored the U.S. Policy towards Myanmar and U.S. assistance to the people of the Southeast Asian nation.

“We hope that the students having the opportunity to visit important historical sites and national landmarks and meet with the decision makers will have an immeasurable impact on their academic and career lives”, said Mr. Lian Sang, Programs Director at BACI.

BACI’s Education and Leadership Tour rotates its trip every year between New York City, Chicago and Washington D.C. Since its initial implementation in 2011, more than 300 students have participated in this special field exposure.

“We are privileged to have this opportunity at a young age to meet the leaders and high ranking officers of the U.S. federal government in-person. I hope every one of us make sure we make the most of it,” said Van Sui, BACI Intern, who also interned with the Office of Senator Todd Young and is currently attending Taylor University.

The visitors thanked the staffers and officials of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Government for their leadership and the support they have been providing, not only to the Burmese-American communities, but also for the assistance they are giving for peace, democracy and development in Myanmar.

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The young scholars, or researchers from the BACI Upward College Summer Scholars program 2019 will present their research findings and solution oriented policy recommendations as the culmination of an 8-week intensive scientific PAR research project.

This year’s topics include Civic and Political Participation, U.S. Refugee Resettlement & Secondary Migration, Economic Integration of Refugees, Paternal Health & the Burmese Community, Higher Education & College Readiness, College Persistency & Economic Impact. 

A light dinner with a taste of Myanmar and Southeast Asia will be served. Please RSVP by July 29 to: info@baci-indy.org.

About BACI
The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a non-profit organization that provides social services, educational and vocational support to the Burmese in greater Indianapolis. The BACI also supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through collaborative initiatives, strategic partnerships, and advocacy. Since its inception in 2011, the BACI has assisted more than 9,000 individuals with various services and integration.

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