Burmese-Americans Show Sustained High Educational Performance
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 8, 2025—A study released by the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) today at its 14th Annual Research Presentation found that the college going rate among Burmese-Americans this year is 94.2 percent, with a college persistence rate of 95.7 percent. Thus, for the past six years, Burmese-Americans have continued to maintain a college going rate of over 90 percent with a greater than 95 percent college persistence rate.
“We are happy to see the continued success of Burmese-American students with their higher education performance in the United States,” said Dr. Bruce Ray, a member of the Board of Directors of the BACI.
The study also shows that as of July 30, 2025, 201,310 Burmese refugees have been admitted to the U.S. since 1990. While over 42,000 Burmese individuals are residing in Indiana, with about 31,000 of them calling Indianapolis their new home. The overall Burmese population in the U.S. is estimated to be over 356,000, which include others who entered the U.S. through different pathways such as family reunification and a non-migrant visa.
Thirty eight researchers presented research findings and solution oriented policy recommendations on seven different topics showing the importance of assessing the socioeconomic status of the Burmese community through innovative research and community evaluation for good public policy and continued action.
In his remarks, BACI President Mr. Elaisa Vahnie congratulated the researchers, and thanked members of the community for their support, as the young leaders and scholars have not just produced an impactful research and knowledge in such a short period of time, but are leading the community in solving some of the most pressing problems facing our shared community.
“We are grateful to the American people and Hoosiers for welcoming us and allowing us to start our new lives and to succeed. As it takes a village to raise a child, the success and positive impact we are seeing today are a testament of the comprehensive collaborative partnership we have been able to forge,” Vahnie said. “Moving forward—reaffirming our clear conviction of the most effective and sustainable way to achieve a democratic and developed society is through investing in people and education—we are committed to strengthening our partnerships in further transforming our community locally, as Indiana must continue to lead the US effort to achieve democracy, peace and prosperity in Myanmar in a win-win situation”.
In addition to maintaining a 100% post-secondary education enrollment rate for those students who successfully completed the Upward College Programs, BACI has been working to empower new Americans through English and civic education, naturalization assistance, as well as assisting the community members with gainful employment and in microenterprise development as they become fully engaged and contributing citizens.
In 2023, Governor of the State of Indiana, proclaimed July as Burmese American Community Month, recognizing the contributions and achievements of the Burmese living in Indiana part of which reads “the growing Burmese population has been actively participating in our state’s economy, high educational performance, and vibrant cultural diversity thereby continuing to enrich the Hoosier communities across the state and making Indiana a better place for all.” ###
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The study this summer include the following seven topics:
1. College Going Rate Among Burmese-American Students
2. College Persistence Among Burmese-American Students
3. Community Integration and Political Participation
4. Climate Change: Communities Perspectives and Awareness
5. Public Health: Maternal and Child Health in Burmese American Community
6. Social Issues: Affordable Housing in Indiana and USA, and
7. U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Secondary Migration
The BACI summer project also estimated that nationally 600+ Burmese-Americans graduated from American Colleges and Universities and 2,000 from High Schools respectively in 2025.
Hosted at the University of Indianapolis, the event was attended by nearly 200 community members, faith and civic leaders, partners, including parents and representatives from various educational institutions, as well as government and nonprofit agencies.
About Burmese American Community Institute
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 over 30,000 individuals.
