September 4, 2026 will mark Brightlane Learning’s 25th anniversary and our 25th school year supporting students facing homelessness and housing instability. It’s impossible to look ahead to this milestone without reflecting on 2025 and the lessons we will carry forward.
In February of 2025, we released The “Homeless Students Education Status” report, an in-depth analysis comparing educational outcomes for students experiencing homelessness with their peers across Indiana. The findings were revealing: significant gaps persist, and in many cases, outcomes for homeless students have declined since 2020.
While the data confirmed what our staff and partners see every day, it also raised the stakes. The report underscored both the urgency of the work and the shared responsibility of communities to respond. Without coordinated, intentional action, too many young people risk remaining trapped in cycles of housing instability and poverty.
Here’s what the data clarified for us:
- Educational inequities for students experiencing homelessness remain deep and systemic
- Progress requires sustained, coordinated support
- Community response is foundational to student success
These insights challenged us to be even more intentional across every aspect of our work, from direct student and family support to partnerships with schools and community organizations.
Community collaboration was central to our work throughout the year, shaping volunteer growth, program expansion, and convenings on issues affecting unhoused students.
In 2025, we convened educators, social workers, and youth-serving professionals through our Sparking Conversations series. Together we explored barriers to student success, preparing students for college and career opportunities, and the work that schools and community organizations dedicate to supporting students beyond the school day. Each of these conversations addressed critical issues and explored solutions that we can achieve together.
Our work last year reinforced that effective collaboration requires:
- Shared language across sectors
- Honest dialogue about barriers to success
- A willingness for partnerships to evolve alongside student needs
These learnings informed Brightlane Learning’s first national presentation. In November, CEO Kelly Coker and Vice President of Program Impact Karen Routt presented Better Together at the 37th Annual NAEHCY Conference, highlighting how strong, adaptable partnerships support students, families, and schools.
That same emphasis on connection showed up locally. In 2025, Brightlane Learning trained and placed 101 new volunteer tutors—a 58% increase over 2024—providing consistent one-to-one and small-group support for students.
Three volunteers were recognized publicly for their impact in 2025:
- Katie Wefler, United Way of Central Indiana Elevate Awards Volunteer of the Year finalist
- Gretchen Sides, IBJ Nonprofit Excellence Awards Volunteer of the Year
- Rock Alberts, Indiana Philanthropy Awards Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
This growth in volunteer support made possible a key milestone: Brightlane Learning’s expansion into all four Indianapolis Public Schools high schools in fall 2025, creating sustained K–12 support during a time of rising student needs and limited school resources.
Help us carry these lessons and growth forward in 2026. Here’s how to get involved:
- Attend a Sparking Conversations gathering to learn and connect with educators and advocates
- Join a Let’s Learn Together workshop to deepen your understanding of this work
- Become a Volunteer Tutor and provide direct, consistent support to students