Established:
2001
Mission:
We transform the lives of students impacted by homelessness and housing instability with personalized tutoring and academic support while advocating for their families as they navigate the educational system.
We envision a future where youth homelessness is eliminated, educational equity is a reality, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Serving Our Community:
The highest concentration of unhoused students in Indiana is in Marion County. Children who experience homelessness are 87 percent more likely to drop out of school than their housed peers, which can lock them in the cycle of poverty for generations to come.
By providing personalized academic support to students and critical guidance to their families and caregivers, Brightlane Learning supports improved literacy and math skills, grade promotion, credit recovery, and high school graduation so that students facing housing insecurity have the opportunity for higher wages and more stable, brighter futures.
Brightlane Learning provides services at no cost to students and families facing homelessness and housing instability across 30-plus Indianapolis locations, including shelters and elementary, middle, and high schools.
Leadership:
Sally Bindley, Founder & CEO
Kelly Coker, Chief Operating & Program Officer
Amber Ewing Kostoff, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Chad Cassinelli, Board Chair
Kim Borges, Vice Chair
Jeremy Morris, Secretary
Cathy George, Treasurer
Gbile Adewunmi, Board Member
Rosie Buchanan, Board Member
Roman Gráff, Board Member
Allison Segarra Hansen, Board Member
Kevin Martin, Board Member
Scott Thiel, Board Member
Blair West, Board Member
Emily Wolfington, Board Member
Other Ways to Help:
Individual donations, grants, and sponsorships make Brightlane’s programs possible. Join the Bright Brigade with a monthly donation of as little as $5 so that unhoused Indianapolis students receive critical academic guidance and mentor-based tutoring today that will support brighter tomorrows. Visit brightlanelearning.org/donate.
Adopt a site to provide for the physical needs of unhoused students, including critical school supplies, snacks, and holiday gifts for students at a specific location all year long. Visit brightlanelearning.org/engage.
Attend Inspire Brighter on April 24, 2025, to raise awareness and funds for Brightlane’s critical programming. Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available. Visit brightlanelearning.org/celebrate.
As a volunteer tutor, you will change lives—including your own. We provide the tools, training, and ongoing support you need to become a life-changing force for children experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Visit brightlanelearning.org/volunteer.
2955 N Meridian St, Ste 250
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
(317) 202-9100
