Inspiring Brighter Futures

Student Stories

“Brightlane doesn’t just help students pass classes. It helps us build a future. So when we talk about ‘Inspire Brighter,’ that’s exactly what Brightlane does. It brings light into places that once felt dark. It helps students like me see possibilities instead of obstacles. And for that, I just want to say thank you.” – Brightlane Junior Alex

You can help Brightlane Learning students along their paths to brighter futures with just one hour a week. Inspired by the stories, art, and poetry below? Sign up to learn more about becoming a Brightlane Learning Volunteer.

Student Poetry

Experiences shape us. Brightlane Learning students at School #43 wrote poems inspired by George Ella Lyon. These poems use objects, activities, and important people in a student’s life to explore where they are from.

Where I’m From, by Addy, 5th grade
I am from a book from heaven,
From my heart that’s in California
I am from my dad, who’s the world in my heart
And joy and laughter every year.
I am from running, from singing all day,
And my dad’s songs that fill the air.
I am from practicing multiplication facts that helped me learn how to think like a superstar.
I am from School 43 and Ms. Erin’s tutoring class,
and from seafood and Takis.
I am from those moments when I’m in school,
with my friends and teachers.

See Student Poetry we shared at Inspire Brighter 2026 here, or create your own poem using Where I’m From Poems.

Student Interviews

Chatting with Brightlane Learning students during tutoring is one of the best parts of the day for Brightlane staff and volunteer tutors.

Indy Now host Jillian Deam sat down with two students to ask them about school, tutoring, friendships, and all the ways they are building confidence as they head toward an even brighter future.

Third grader Micheala has this to say about tutoring:

“Ms. Brittany, she’s really nice and helps me a lot. She is like brave and like smart and like happy all the time.”   When she knows she’s going to hang out with Ms. Brittany at tutoring, Micheala shares, “It makes me feel happy and like more confident.”

Listen to 3rd grader Micheala and 4th grader Diego chat with Jillian Deam about tutoring and what their futures hold here in 30 second clips, or explore the full interview audio with both students here: Micheala (3 minutes) and Diego (4 minutes)

Art and Emotion

When young minds experience stress and trauma, learning becomes more challenging.

As part of our academic programming for students experiencing homelessness and housing instability, we help students regulate their emotions with academic enrichment opportunities that support their learning capacity.

From hands-on calming activities to art, engaging experiences are woven throughout our programming to help students explore their feelings, learn to express themselves, gain confidence, and understand all they are capable of achieving.

William, a second grader, personified his favorite tutoring supplies when asked to share more about his tutoring experience. Sutta the Scissors by William

Jamar, age 11, created a vision board that includes his hopes and dreams for his future. Explore it here.

Need a reminder to check in with your emotions? Download our handy Express Yourself emotions chart.