Empowering Veterans, Families, & Underserved Communities
Built by a Veteran. Built for Everyone.
Who We Are
The Nonprofit Outreach Arm of a Powerful Learning System
BrightPath Foundation is the nonprofit outreach arm of BuildingBlocs Academy - a first-of-its-kind Emotional Intelligence and Financial Wellness Academy built on the principles of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
Our programs teach people how to lead calmly, think clearly, communicate effectively, and manage their money with purpose and confidence.
The Foundation extends that mission — ensuring that cost is never the barrier to personal growth. Through partnerships with local organizations, corporate sponsors, and community allies, we bring free and subsidized BuildingBlocs Literacy programs to those who need them most.
We form public-private partnerships with cities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations to fund, distribute, and deliver the Academy's programs where they are needed most.
Our Mission
We exist to close the gap between potential and opportunity.
At BrightPath Foundation, our mission is to deliver accessible, practical education that empowers individuals to rebuild their lives — financially, emotionally, and professionally.
We believe transformation happens when learning is both affordable and relatable. That's why every dollar raised goes directly toward educational access, helping veterans, families, and community members gain the skills they need to grow with confidence and purpose.
U.S. Marine Corps - France 1991
The service that shaped the mission
How We Started
Our Story
Founded by Aaron B. Kershaw, a U.S. Marine veteran and lifelong educator, The BrightPath Foundation began as a vision to level the playing field for underserved communities.
Aaron's service in the Marines instilled the discipline, resilience, and commitment to community that now drives everything BrightPath does. His work through The BuildingBlocs Group: BuildingBlocs Publishing, BuildingBlocs Literacy and BuildingBlocs Academy; created a proven ecosystem of learning. Blending emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and leadership development into courses that change lives from the inside out.
The Foundation extends that mission, ensuring that cost is never the barrier to personal growth.
Meet Aaron →Community & Legislative Recognition
Building Bridges at Every Level
Aaron B. Kershaw & Senator George Latimer
Thanksgiving Day Parade — New York
BrightPath Foundation's work has earned recognition from elected officials and community leaders across New York State. Aaron's commitment to veteran education and community empowerment has opened doors to legislative partnerships that amplify the Foundation's reach.
The Foundation's relationship with Senator George Latimer's office has been instrumental in advancing the $5 Million Veteran Education Giveaway — a New York State initiative targeting 5,000 sponsored seats for veterans and their families.
NY State American Legion Partner
BrightPath actively collaborates with the NY State American Legion and Vet-to-Vet aligned initiatives to connect veterans with sponsored educational access.
Our Approach
We don't reinvent the wheel - we make sure it reaches everyone.
The Foundation connects donors and sponsors directly to impact, funding specific learning pathways that create real, measurable change.
Veterans gain emotional resilience and financial readiness for civilian life.
Families learn to communicate, manage money, and rebuild stability.
Individuals in recovery find structure, healing, and hope.
Communities receive the tools to break generational cycles through education.
Every sponsored seat represents a real person given a chance to rise — with updates, reporting, and community success stories shared transparently.
Why You Can Trust Our Transparency
Built as a Mission, Not a Business Model.
The BrightPath Foundation wasn't built as a business model — it was built as a mission. Our purpose is to serve veterans and underprivileged communities, not to profit from them.
What makes us different is that we own 100% of the intellectual property behind every course, book, and program we provide. We don't have to purchase outside materials or hire third-party providers.
Our Sponsor Model
Donate ($250 min) → Donor receives Member-Access Codes → Donor donates to NGO of choice.
You control your donation destination.
Tax-Payer Funded by Design
As a 100% disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran, our founder built this organization using his own taxpayer-funded benefits. Because of that structure, the Foundation will always contribute 50% to 100% more in educational access than it receives in donations.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Service First
Every program is designed with veterans and underserved communities at the center — not as an afterthought.
Emotional Intelligence
We believe that self-awareness and empathy are the foundation of every lasting life change.
Financial Dignity
Financial literacy is a civil right. We make it accessible, practical, and shame-free.
Community Partnership
We work alongside city officials, corporate sponsors, and nonprofits to multiply our reach and impact.
Our Vision
To make social-emotional and financial education a universal human right.
One that equips every person, regardless of background, to live with dignity, stability, and purpose.
By 2030, BrightPath aims to sponsor access for 25 million learners across the U.S. through partnerships with businesses, faith-based groups, municipalities, and individual donors who share our belief that knowledge should be free, but never wasted.
"When people learn how to lead themselves, they can lead their lives."
The People Behind the Mission
Meet Our Team
Aaron B. Kershaw
CEO & Founder
A U.S. Marine veteran and lifelong educator, Aaron founded BrightPath after navigating combat PTSD, financial collapse, and the gap the VA couldn't fill. As a 100% disabled veteran, he built this organization using his own taxpayer-funded benefits — turning his personal mission into a platform that gives back.
Learn more →
Dr. Lori Pisani
Co-Director & Head of School
An accomplished educator and curriculum architect, Dr. Pisani leads the academic design of BuildingBlocs Academy's SEL-based learning system. She ensures every program meets the highest standards of rigor, accessibility, and compassion — building curriculum that honors the whole person and produces lasting, measurable change.
Learn more →Every contribution you make is multiplied — not by promises, but by design.
Whether you're a donor, corporate sponsor, or community partner — there's a place for you in the BrightPath mission.