We advocate for integration, the advancement of the Burmese-Americans, and democracy in Myanmar.
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We connect people to people, culture to culture, the community and the resources.
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We believe in comprehensive education, both formal and informal education for all age.
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We serve our shared community with critical services through innovative programming.
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Programs

Employment & MicroEnterprise

We assist newcomers with their employment, training, small business start-up assistance as they become self-sufficient and allow them to give back to their communities and contribute to economic growth.

Upward College Program

The Upward College Program is an innovative year-round program with a comprehensive program design that assists area high school students with their college readiness and success.

Summer Programs

CRLD is a highly interactive, fun program, focuses on four core areas of learning and engagement, while the Scholars Program focuses on a scientific method of PAR research—solution oriented policy action.

Civic and Cultural Education

We provide English & Citizenship classes and assist newcomers with their naturalization process, including filing forms N400, G-28 etc. as well as help the community members, to become civically engaged citizens.

INDY

We help newcomers with their integration process and in effort to meet their needs by connection and information sharing through various channels, including newsletter, email mailing list, social media, referrals, and others means.

Technical Assistance Program

We help small businesses, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations with their organization registration, organizational development, bylaws, business plan, program design and more.

Advocacy Program

BACI advocates for successful integration of newcomers through education, employment, naturalization and civic engagement, refugee protection, the advancement of the Burmese-American community, peace and democracy in Myanmar.

Civic Participation & Community Engagement

We work with the community members and partners, creating avenue, such as cultural festivals, special engagement events, voter’s education talk and others whereby increasing citizen’s participation and civic engagement activities.

Special Projects

BACI collaboratively work with service providers and partners to implement the special projects that benefit the community, they include research projects, service projects, integration projects, citywide, statewide, nationally and internationally.

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Latest News

Application for 2025 Summer College Prep & Leadership Development Program Released

February 20, 2025 - Burmese American Community Institute is pleased to announce today the releasing of the application…

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Application for 2025 BACI Upward College Summer Scholars Program Released

2024 Upward College Summer Research Scholars February 19, 2025 - The Burmese American Community Institute is pleased to…

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4th International Conference to Support a Path Forward to Democracy in a New Myanmar

INDIANAPOLIS, January 25, 2025 — Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), in partnership with co-host Indiana University Indianapolis, will be…

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Testimonials

Hear what our valuable mentors, partners, clients have to say

  • Being a part of the civic program has allowed me to develop the experience and knowledge I need to play a small, yet important, role in making impacts on the community that I value. I get to meet new friends and people who are also passionate about helping out the community. - Angela Cer Chin Par
  • Last summer, I had the privilege of going to Chin State, Myanmar to teach English at Hakha College. This experience made me realize why I love teaching and it led me to become a part of BACI's Upward College Program. - Bekah Raab
  • When I learned about BACI, I was excited to have the chance to work with the largest Burmese community in the USA. I decided I wanted to volunteer because I wanted to have the first-hand experience with the Burmese community. - Ray R.H Chung
  • I love being a part of the BACI because I feel that I am able to give back to the community and learn more about the unique country where I came from. I also enjoy working with the wonderful students who have many different personalities. - Van Tha Bor
  • I participated in BACI research program during the summer of 2018. I developed leadership skills as well as research skills that has helped me to this day. BACI has given me life long friendships, experiences, and has helped me in my academic career.  -Beth Par
  • I realized there is a big Burmese community in Indianapolis and want to contribute to making a difference. So, I decided to help BACI serve the community. I am excited to work with high school students, to help with their college careers and to becoming great leaders. - Melonie Lynn
  • I was involved with BACI in the 2014 for the Upward College Summer Research Scholars Program during high school. I studied Human Resources to give back to my community as much as I can. I am excited to start my internship as Case Management in EMDP.  -Hram Sang
  • I took part in the 2016 Upward College Summer Research Scholars Program during my high school year, and this experience has allowed me to further gain interest in research, that led me to two journal publications. I am now back in the program as a Group Research Leader.  - Jenni Thang
  • Being a part of the civic program has allowed me to develop the experience and knowledge I need to play a small, yet important, role in making impacts on the community that I value. I get to meet new friends and people who are also passionate about helping out the community. - Angela Cer Chin Par
  • Last summer, I had the privilege of going to Chin State, Myanmar to teach English at Hakha College. This experience made me realize why I love teaching and it led me to become a part of BACI's Upward College Program. - Bekah Raab
  • When I learned about BACI, I was excited to have the chance to work with the largest Burmese community in the USA. I decided I wanted to volunteer because I wanted to have the first-hand experience with the Burmese community. - Ray R.H Chung
  • I love being a part of the BACI because I feel that I am able to give back to the community and learn more about the unique country where I came from. I also enjoy working with the wonderful students who have many different personalities. - Van Tha Bor
  • I participated in BACI research program during the summer of 2018. I developed leadership skills as well as research skills that has helped me to this day. BACI has given me life long friendships, experiences, and has helped me in my academic career.  -Beth Par
  • I realized there is a big Burmese community in Indianapolis and want to contribute to making a difference. So, I decided to help BACI serve the community. I am excited to work with high school students, to help with their college careers and to becoming great leaders. - Melonie Lynn
  • I was involved with BACI in the 2014 for the Upward College Summer Research Scholars Program during high school. I studied Human Resources to give back to my community as much as I can. I am excited to start my internship as Case Management in EMDP.  -Hram Sang
  • I took part in the 2016 Upward College Summer Research Scholars Program during my high school year, and this experience has allowed me to further gain interest in research, that led me to two journal publications. I am now back in the program as a Group Research Leader.  - Jenni Thang
Our Partners & Sponsors

We are accredited member of the United Way of Central Indiana.

Covid-19 K-12+ Remote Learning and Online Resources Launched

INDIANAPOLIS, April 1, 2020 — In response to the new reality of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Burmese American Community...

BACI Honored with “Outstanding Community Partner of the Year”

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 24, 2020 — The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) was given the “Outstanding Community Partner of the Year”...

Application: BACI Upward College Summer Scholars Program 2020

Application for BACI Upward College Summer Scholars Program 2020 Upward College Summer Scholars Program is a highly interactive, fun, and...

BACI to Host Second Annual Mental Health First Aid Training March 21

[As a public health measure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after consultation with our federal and state partners,...

Elaisa Vahnie Selected as Speaker for International Education Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.

Washington DC, February 13, 2020 – Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) will be speaking...

February 12 Proclaimed as ‘Myanmar Union Day in Indianapolis’ by Mayor Joe Hogsett, Rep. André Carson rendered Congressional Recognition of the Union Day

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 12, 2020 — Joe Hogsett, the 49th Mayor of Indianapolis, proclaimed February 12 as official Myanmar Union Day in...

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Stressed the Importance of Fostering Union Spirit in Building Federalist Democracy in Myanmar

‘Union Day of Burma – Panglong Agreement’ Event in the U.S. calls for Unity, to End Violence in Ethnic Minority...

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Address Myanmar Union Day Celebration in Indianapolis, USA

INDIANAPOLIS, February 5, 2020 — Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, will video address the 73rd Myanmar...

BACI to Partner with NAFSA on Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program

INDIANAPOLIS, January 10, 2020 — The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world’s largest nonprofit...

Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program Scholarship Launched

The MSLP will train and support the next generation of leaders and scholars, selected from the pool of state employees,...

Federal Grant to Support BACI Civic Education and Naturalization Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grant will help BACI’s Educational Programs to train 500 Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in...

Indiana University Hamilton Lugar School’s Southeast Asian and ASEAN Studies Program to offer Burmese language

The Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University begins teaching Burmese Language in Fall 2019 through...

College Persistence Rate Continues to Rise for Myanmar-Americans in USA

College Enrollment rate among Burmese-Americans maintained at a 90 percent average for 2018 and 2019 INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2019—A study...

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...

BACI and local community gives back on World Refugee Day

In conjunction with World Refugee Day, members of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), along with more than 80 young...

Application: BACI Upward College Summer Scholars Program 2019

Application for BACI Upward College Summer Scholars Program Upward College Summer Scholars Program is a highly interactive, fun, and intensive...

BACI Executive Director Honored with the Indiana Senate Proclamation

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 16, 2019 — Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), was bestowed with the...

Myanmar Union Day Anniversary Calls for Unity, Seeks U.S. Support

‘Union Day of Burma’ Event in the U.S. calls for Unity, to End Violence in Ethnic Minority Areas, U.S. Support...

Elaisa Vahnie selected as speaker at International Education Leadership Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The talk will focus on issues in higher education that may shape strategies for international engagement and...

BACI Partners with IU McKinney Law School; assisting Refugees and Migrants with their Naturalization needs

BACI Served 1092 Refugees with Their Various Immigration Needs in FY2018 alone and, of those, 527 Individuals Successfully Completed Their...

Excerpt of BACI Executive Director Remarks Given at Meeting With Parents And Community Members

During Parents meeting on October 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN, USA, BACI Executive Director Elaisa Vahnie encourages parents and community...

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...

Myanmar Featured at Asian Festival

INDIANAPOLIS, June 24, 2018 — Indianapolis celebrated Asian culture and diversity through its 11th Annual Asian Festival, hosted by the...

Indy Organizations Partner Together to Celebrate World Refugee Day

June 20, 2018: Indianapolis, IN, USA — This year marks the seventh year of the Burmese American Community Institute’s (BACI)...

Myanmar Diaspora Group in the US to Volunteer at Hakha College

INDIANAPOLIS, USA, May 23, 2018—For the first time in its history, the Burmese American Community Institute, BACI, is sending volunteer...

Myanmar Youth Leaders in USA Discuss the Future of their Country

Myanmar Youth Leaders in USA Discuss the Future of their Country INDIANAPOLIS, April 28, 2018 – For the 5th year,...

Upward College Summer Scholars Program 2018

BACI Upward College Summer Scholars Program Upward College Summer Scholars Program is a highly interactive, fun, and intensive academic research...

Remarks by Ambassador Scot Marciel at the Signing of MoU for Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program

Remarks at the Signing of Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program Scot Marciel United States Ambassador to Myanmar Yangon University Yangon,...

Union Day of Burma Event in US to Promote Unity and Support Democratic Transition

‘Union Day of Burma’ Event in US to Promote Ethnic Harmony, Unity and Support Democratic Transition INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 8, 2018...

Myanmar Community in the United States Seek the U.S Support for Peace, Development, and Democracy

BACI Hosted the U.S. Senator Todd Young, seek the U.S Support for Peace, Development, and Democracy in Burma/Myanmar INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 28,...

Myanmar Population in The U.S. Growing, College Enrollment Rate Rising

College going rate among Burmese-Americans increases 97.7 percent in six years INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 3, 2017 – A Burmese American Community...

2017-2018 Upward College Program Application Form

2017-2018 Upward College Program Application Form The Upward College Program helps prepare the participants their college and future success through...

Myanmar Youth Leaders in the U.S. Discuss the Future of their Country

INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 5, 2017 – Young leaders from Myanmar participating in the Youth Leadership Program, led by Indiana University Bloomington...

Myanmar community leader honored with Community Leader Award

The Community Leader Award is given to an outstanding leader that provides services and assistance to the Asian/Pacific Islander Community...

BACI hosted Service Project with Grinnell College

March 24, 2017 — A group of students from Grinnell College, Iowa successfully completed a Service Project with the Burmese American Community...

2017 Summer Scholars Program Application

2017 Upward College Summer Scholar Application Form Upward College Summer Scholars Program is a highly interactive, fun, and intensive academic...

Myanmar Students and Professionals Network USA Establishes Chapters on the West Coast

February 27, 2017 — In an effort to broaden and strengthen the national network, the organizing trip of the Myanmar Students and...

Myanmar Students and Professionals Network USA Launched

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 15, 2017 — The Myanmar Students and Professionals Network USA (MSPNUSA) was launched in Indianapolis on Saturday Feb....

Myanmar Community in Indianapolis to Commemorate ‘Union Day of Burma’

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2017 — For the first time, Myanmar ethnic communities residing in Central Indiana will observe the 70th...

Indianapolis Mayor Hogsett stresses Indianapolis as an inclusive city for the Myanmar community

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 16, 2016 – Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett spoke Nov. 15 to leaders of the Myanmar/Burmese community in Indianapolis...

The Burmese Population in The U.S. Reaches Nearly 300,000, College Enrollment Rate Rising

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 3, 2016 – A Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) study finds the college going rate among Burmese-Americans to...

BACI Hosts Youth Leadership Program with Myanmar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2016 INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 3, 2016 – For the third year, the Burmese American Community Institute...

BACI 2016 Summer Scholarship Application Released

The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is pleased to announce that the 2016 Upward College Summer Scholar Application has been...

The Burmese Population in The U.S. Reaches Over 226,000, College Going Rate Increasing

The Burmese Population in The U.S. Reaches Over 226,000, College Going Rate Increasing

The Burmese Population in The U.S. Reaches Over 226,000, College Going Rate Increasing FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2015...

Summer Program Prepares Burmese-American Students for College Success

Summer Program Prepares Burmese-American Students for College Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Summer program prepares Burmese-American students for college success The students will present the findings of their research...

Statement of Common Understanding Reached at U.S.-Myanmar Engagement Conference

Statement of Common Understanding Reached at U.S.-Myanmar Engagement Conference

Statement of Common Understanding Reached at The U.S.-Myanmar Engagement Conference May 29, 2015 The first U.S.-Myanmar Engagement Conference was successfully...

Full Text of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Keynote Address

Full Text of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Keynote Address

Full text of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Keynote Address The U.S.-Myanmar Engagement Conference IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA May 29,...

Conference at Indianapolis to focus on supporting reform in Myanmar

Conference at Indianapolis to focus on supporting reform in Myanmar

Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi will deliver a video message at the conference Source: IU Newsroom May 20, 2015...

BACI Hosted Young Leadership Program with Burma

BACI Hosted Young Leadership Program with Burma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2015 BACI Hosted Youth Leadership Program with Burma INDIANAPOLIS –The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI)...

Chin Version of Community Integration Guidebook Released in USA

Chin Version of Community Integration Guidebook Released in USA

For Immediate Release Feb. 21, 2015 Chin Version of Community Integration Guidebook Released in USA INDIANAPOLIS – The Chin [Lai-Hakha]...

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