In 2025, Elene Hosepyan, one of the YMCA Generation Next Scholarship recipients in Armenia, was selected as a Student Council member at the American University of Armenia to advocate for the student body. This milestone was accomplished through hard work, growth and experiences shaped through her education and the Generation Next program.
“I attribute this directly to what the Generation Next program has helped me become. Through the scholarship program, I have become more confident, more outspoken, and clearer in my values and direction in life. YMCA gave me the space to practice leadership and to develop skills I use on a daily basis, whether it’s organization, communication, or the ability to engage meaningfully with others,” remarks Elene.
As an active volunteer for the program, Elene has gone a long way, reflecting her progress through changes in mentality and the work she engages in. While possessing analytical thinking with a major in Data Science, Elene also chose a minor in Environmental Studies, combining two passions for the betterment of the world. With a strong desire to make a difference, she has been volunteering since high school in environmental projects. Learning about the YMCA and the Generation Next Scholarship, Elene was excited to join an organization where she could make a bigger impact in Armenia while receiving necessary aid to pursue her education.
“YMCA Generation Next introduced me to people and communities I would never have encountered otherwise, such as members of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) community, Syrian-Armenians, and others with very different life experiences. At university, you tend to interact with people who are quite similar to you, so the program gave me a valuable space to broaden my perspective and develop the ability to communicate with people from different walks of life. Through volunteering, I also grew more confident in my public speaking and ability to put myself forward,” said Elene.
In Fall of 2025, Elene was selected to participate in the “Community Hub: From Issues to Impact” project in Brussels, Belgium focused on youth advocacy. It was her first international experience allowing her to engage with diverse communities and individuals and learn more about advocacy, the knowledge and skills of which she believes is a must-have for any person regardless of their background and career path.
Upon graduating the university and the Generation Next program, Elen wants to pursue a master’s degree in bioinformatics abroad and return to contribute to Armenia by developing the field locally. She also looks forward to joining the Yerevan Y Service Club, which serves as a Generation Next Scholarship alumni network in Armenia, and remain active through civic engagement.
“I was raised in a family with a strong work ethic. While I was admitted to the most prestigious university of Armenia, I could not afford the tuition. Generation Next Scholarship has made a real difference for students like me from middle-class families, or those facing more difficult financial circumstances, by allowing us to focus on our studies and opportunities without the added pressure of financial stress. Without it, I would not be where I am today. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity, which has opened so many doors for me.”
