Service Outcome and Impact

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to share with you some of the key successes and achievements that your generous support and partnership helped make possible in 2025. Despite unprecedented challenges, we are grateful that our advocacy, education, and community services have not only continued but have also been sustained and strengthened throughout the year.

Thanks to the longstanding Hoosier and American traditions of hospitality and welcoming newcomers, more than 31,000 Burmese Americans now call Indianapolis home, and over 42,000 call Indiana home, representing one of the largest concentrations of Burmese Americans in the United States. Nationwide, more than 356,000 Burmese Americans have made the United States their home.

We are pleased to share the following highlights of our key accomplishments and community impact in 2025.

Expanding Services and Strengthening Families

In 2025 alone, BACI served more than 4,770 individuals through comprehensive programs and services, including college and career readiness, employment assistance and workforce training, English language and citizenship education, naturalization assistance, essential basic needs support, health and human services, and core public health initiatives.

These accomplishments bring the total number of individuals served by BACI to more than 35,000 since our founding in 2011.

Advancing Educational Success

Education remains at the heart of our mission. We are particularly proud that BACI’s Upward College Program continued to achieve a 100% postsecondary admission rate among students who successfully completed the program. Additionally, we assisted more than 50% of participating college students who had previously enrolled in our programs in securing scholarships.

In 2025, the college-going rate among recent Burmese American high school graduates remained above 93%, a remarkable increase from just 43% in 2013. This progress reflects the dedication of our students, families, educators, volunteers, and community partners.

Promoting Economic Opportunity and Entrepreneurship

We continued to provide technical assistance, guidance, and support to aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community organizations. Today, more than 200 small businesses, including childcare enterprises, have been established and operated by Burmese Americans in Central Indiana, contributing to local economic growth, job creation, and the vitality of our communities.

Welcoming Newcomers and Building Stronger Communities

In collaboration with the U.S. federal government, the State of Indiana, and our valued partners, we continued to welcome and support refugees and newcomers from around the world as they rebuild their lives and pursue opportunities in their new home.

Our programs are designed to empower individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency, educational and career success, meaningful community integration, and active civic participation.

Advancing Peace, Democracy, and Humanitarian Efforts

Beyond our local community, BACI continued to strengthen its efforts to support peace, democracy, human rights, and humanitarian assistance in Myanmar through public diplomacy, policy advocacy, research, strategic partnerships, and collaborative initiatives.

These efforts reflect our enduring commitment to promoting human dignity, freedom, opportunity, and a better future for all.

Creating a HOME FOR ALL

Guided by our 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, we made significant progress in advancing our Capital Campaign and our vision of “CREATING A HOME FOR ALL.”

Our Community Center vision aims to establish a welcoming and inclusive campus where children, youth, families, seniors, and community members from diverse backgrounds can access educational opportunities, essential services, recreational activities, and meaningful community connections.

This initiative represents an important investment in the long-term well-being, resilience, and sustainability of our shared community.

Moving Forward Together with Gratitude and Renewed Commitment

The successes and positive impacts we celebrate today are not ours alone. They are the direct result of our collective efforts and a testament to the strong partnerships, generosity, and shared commitment of our supporters, volunteers, community leaders, and stakeholders.

As we look ahead, BACI remains firmly committed to delivering innovative, comprehensive, impactful, and sustainable programs and services that respond to the evolving needs of our communities.

We extend our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation for your friendship, trust, generosity, and continued partnership. Your support has made these accomplishments possible and continues to inspire us to do more.

With renewed determination, resilience, and commitment, we invite you to continue standing with us as we work together to empower individuals and families, strengthen our communities, and create greater opportunities for all.

Together, we are building a stronger community and CREATING A HOME FOR ALL.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

Burmese American Community Institute (BACI)