Founder & CEO — BrightPath Foundation
Aaron B. Kershaw
U.S. Marine. Combat Veteran. Educator. Builder of systems that give people back their lives.
"When combat PTSD hit me at 45 — more than thirty years after serving two tours overseas, including one in Iraq — I lost my career and nearly lost my sense of self."
— Aaron B. Kershaw, Founder & CEO
U.S. Marine Corps
The service that shaped the mission
His Story
Built from the Inside Out
Aaron B. Kershaw is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours overseas, including one in Iraq. His service instilled a discipline and commitment to community that would define the rest of his life — even when that life was turned upside down.
More than Twenty years after his service, combat PTSD emerged at age 45. It cost him his career and nearly his sense of self. The VA helped with treatment — but not with rebuilding life, especially financially. Aaron found himself navigating a system that treated symptoms but not the whole person.
So he built what was missing. Drawing on his Marine training, his personal recovery, and years of research into Social-Emotional Learning, Aaron wrote a few dozen books: Finances, then Resilience, Family and eventually developed a proprietary curriculum that blends emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and leadership development into a practical, stigma-free system anyone can access.
That system became BuildingBlocs Literacy — the intellectual property owner and parent organization — and BuildingBlocs Academy, the online learning platform delivering those courses to veterans, families, and communities across the country.
Recognizing that cost remained the final barrier, Aaron launched BrightPath Foundation, Inc. — the nonprofit outreach arm — to sponsor free access for those who need it most. As a 100% disabled veteran, he built this organization using his own taxpayer-funded benefits, ensuring the Foundation will always contribute more in educational access than it receives in donations.
The Journey
From Service to Mission
U.S. Marines
Two Tours of Duty
Aaron served two tours overseas, including one in Iraq, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and mission-first mindset that defines everything he builds today.
Post-Service
Combat PTSD at 45
More than thirty years after serving, combat PTSD emerged — costing Aaron his career and nearly his sense of self. The VA helped with treatment, but not with rebuilding life, especially financially.
2023
Leaving Finance — Beginning the Journey
After years in the financial industry, Aaron made the decision to leave his career in finance and commit fully to building something that mattered. It was the beginning of a new chapter — one built on purpose, not profit.
2023–2024
B.S. in Business Management — Voc Rehab Funded
Using his VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, Aaron earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a focus on Economics and Finance/Psychology — graduating in 2024. The degree deepened the academic foundation behind every program he was building.
The Foundation
BrightPath Foundation
Recognizing that cost was the final barrier, Aaron launched BrightPath Foundation to sponsor free access for veterans, families, and underserved communities — ensuring no one is left behind.
Aaron B. Kershaw & Congressman George Latimer
Thanksgiving Day Parade — New York
Community & Legislative Recognition
Building Bridges at Every Level
Aaron's commitment to veteran education and community empowerment has earned recognition from elected officials and community leaders across New York State. His relationship with Congressman 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.
BrightPath actively collaborates with the NY State American Legion, Vet-to-Vet aligned initiatives, and other veteran service organizations to connect those who served with sponsored educational access.
NY State American Legion Partner
Recognized partner for veteran education access and community empowerment programs.
His Philosophy
Education is the most powerful weapon against poverty, trauma, and hopelessness.
No Stigma
Learning should never require a diagnosis, a referral, or a label. Aaron built every program to be accessible without barriers — anonymous, self-paced, and judgment-free.
Owned, Not Rented
Every course, book, and program is 100% proprietary. BrightPath doesn't purchase outside materials or hire third-party providers — which means more of every dollar goes directly to learners.
Built to Scale
The system was designed from day one to reach millions. With no per-user fees and immediate digital delivery, BrightPath can sponsor 100 seats for $250 — and scale to 25 million learners by 2030.
"When people learn how to lead themselves, they can lead their lives."
— Aaron B. Kershaw