On September 7, 2024, YMCA Europe team held an induction meeting at the American University of Armenia (AUA) with the YMCA Scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 academic year.
In addition to welcoming the new students, YMCA Europe also extended their gratitude to the prior scholarship recipients, now AUA alumni, by awarding them certificates of appreciation for their completed volunteer work.
Through its Generation Next Program, YMCA Europe has been a scholarship supporter at AUA for the past two years. The program was able to secure additional funds to continue providing quality education to AUA students for three more years. Aside from financial aid, YMCA Scholarship plays a significant role in students’ growth as individuals. Generation Next aims to advance knowledge and provide a valuable skill set to encourage today’s youth to become responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
Ten students, four male and six female, were identified for the scholarship support in the 2024-25 academic year. Eight of the ten students are sophomores majoring in programs such as business, computer science, data science, politics and governance, as well as English and communications. The remaining two students, majoring in master of public affairs, are receiving the YMCA Scholarship for the second year and will graduate in 2025.
Throughout the year, the students will volunteer primarily with Rootsmade, an initiative of YMCA Roots for Peace Program, which serves as a platform for Syrian-Armenian and Artsakh refugee craftspeople. This valuable experience will encourage personal and professional development and enhance a sense of social responsibility.
The new scholarship holders had a chance to not only learn about the history of YMCA and volunteering work, but also interact with previous recipients, share experiences, expectations and future goals both as part of YMCA and as individuals.
“Receiving the YMCA Scholarship not only made my pursuit of higher education possible but also empowered me to give back to my community. Now, as a proud member of the YMCA family, I am able to fulfill my purpose of making a difference in the lives of others,” said Regina Grigoryan, AUA alumna and former recipient of YMCA Scholarship.
“I am eager to explore the various initiatives offered by the YMCA, such as the Rootsmade initiative, as it presents a rewarding opportunity to engage with new people, listen to their stories, and assist them in achieving their goals. This experience reinforces my belief that the YMCA will be pivotal in my personal journey. Not only will it offer the chance to focus on personal development and education, but it will also provide opportunities for me to utilize my skills and abilities to help others,” remarked Gor Arzanyan, one of the new scholarship holders majoring in computer science at AUA.
While some are beginning a new chapter with YMCA, others have completed their journeys as scholarship recipients and AUA students. Nonetheless, they remain part of the community as volunteers. One alumna in particular, Regina Grigoryan, also joined the YMCA Roots for Peace program as a staff member.
The induction meeting concluded with awarding certificates and tokens of appreciation to not only alumni, but also former staff members. YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan expressed gratitude to the former staff member of Generation Next, Haykuhi Karapetyan, who will continue her involvement with the program as a volunteer.
The YMCA Generation Next Program in the South Caucasus aims to empower young people in Armenia and Georgia to contribute to a fair and sustainable society. Through partnerships with academic institutions, the program enhances knowledge and social skills, equipping youth with key life skills needed for the job market and civil society. The goal is to foster a culture of social responsibility and provide opportunities for motivated, economically challenged youth to access higher education and improve their future prospects.
