YMCA Generation Next Summer School of 2026 took place in Dresden, Germany from August 22 to 24 through cooperation with YMCA Germany, Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation, HP and Microsoft. The three-day event brought together 20 Generation Next Scholarship recipients from Armenia and Georgia to provide an opportunity to connect, exchange experience, reflect on the program and gain new skills and perspectives.

The summer school curriculum was dedicated to sessions on AI. As future leaders, learning how artificial intelligence can enhance both their professional workflows and their civic engagement efforts was an invaluable experience. 

Participants engaged with experts, including Data Science and AI Business Development Manager at HP Horst Karlsberg, Head of Regulatory Policy at Microsoft Rebekka Weiss, and Dr. Markus Schwertel on advocacy and digital equity to explore the intersection of technology and society. By linking digital skills with active citizenship, the program challenged attendees to critically assess tech governance, responsible use, and societal impact. This reflects the core of the HP, Microsoft and YMCA partnership.

“While I already had sufficient information on AI due to my major in computer science, learning specific examples and practical applications from experts was very useful,” commented Gor Arzanyan, one of the Generation Next Scholarship Holders from Armenia.

The summer school concluded with an open event on the Ethics in Artificial Intelligence which involved a panel discussion with the aforementioned experts Rebella Weiss and Markus Schwertel, as well as YMCA Europe Advocacy Officer Dragos Tarta and CVJM Deutschland Secretary General Hansjörg Kopp. 

The last day of the summer school was also attended by Ulrike Küstner and Beate Schreiber representing Brot für die Welt, the generous donor organization whose multi-year partnership makes the Generation Next Scholarship possible.

At the closing ceremony participants reflected on their experience followed by YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan presenting tokens of appreciation and acknowledgement to partners who had made the summer school possible, including a Roots Peace Medal to Andreas Dieterich, Officer for Peace and Reconciliation Work at Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation and CVJM Deutschland Secretary General Hansjörg Kopp. An embroidered carpet in the shape of a cross and handmade by Artsakh artisans was also specially presented to Frauenkirche leaving a symbolic mark on the cooperation.

The summer school was a remarkable experience for students and organizers alike witnessing the growth and development of each scholarship holder who will carry the values and skills of their YMCA experience long after graduating the program.

On August 20-21 of 2026, YMCA Generation Next underwent an evaluation workshop as part of the project’s external evaluation process to determine the merit, worth, and value of the initiative and identify recommendations for its future implementation.

The first day commenced with an opening session at the iconic Frauenkirche in Dresden by welcoming participants, going over the planned two days ahead. Then guided by Andreas Dieterich, the Officer for Peace and Reconciliation Work at Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation, the participants had a tour of the church learning more about its history and symbolism.

Then the real work started in the form of a focus group workshop with all the 20 Generation Next Scholarship holders from Armenia and Georgia. The process is led by Hana Bendova, a consultant and evaluator with 12 years of experience in conducting external evaluations with a background in civil society strengthening, international development, and youth-led initiatives. 

“The evaluation process was very reflective for us. We were fully engaged in the discussion,” remarked Svetlana Levin, one of the Generation Next Scholarship holders from Georgia. 

The second day continued with focusing on generating ideas for local community projects in Armenia and Georgia as part of the project requirements, followed by a professional video shoot of each participant reflecting on their journey with the Generation Next. 

“The video shoot was nerve-wracking but also a very enjoyable experience,” said Kristine Hovsepyan, one of the Generation Next Scholarship holders from Armenia. 

Overall, the evaluation workshop provided a unique opportunity for participants to reflect on their time with the Generation Next project and for the organizing team to have a wider look at a  bigger picture, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the program, pinpointing areas for improvement, and learning about students’ project ideas for future discussion and implementation.

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.”

Giorgi Adikashvili is a medical student and one of the recipients of the YMCA Generation Next Scholarship in Georgia. Five years ago, he attended the YMCA Georgia’s Camp Orange community project, a moment that fundamentally changed his trajectory. He realized that his  values and aspirations greatly align with YMCA’s mission which evolved into a deeply rewarding commitment to youth leadership and community development. He then became a volunteer at YMCA Georgia which later on led to his acceptance into the Generation Next Scholarship.

“As a medical student, I face significant academic demands. The scholarship was crucial, as it removed the financial pressure of university costs and enabled me to pursue both formal education in medicine and non-formal education in leadership. This balance is rare, most young people must choose between academia and leadership development. The program opened doors to opportunities I was genuinely passionate about while maintaining my academic focus. It was an investment in my potential as a leader within the YMCA ecosystem and my community,” remarked Giorgi.

In 2025, Giorgi participated in YMCA Leadership Academy gaining not only knowledge, but also  leadership skills, critical skills, essential theoretical grounding, and a space where he could practice leadership in a supportive international environment. The two international sessions and the local community project gave him real-world experience, exposure to diverse leadership models, an international network, different approaches to community work, as well as a better understanding of the YMCA movement.

“The following year I was invited to join YMCA Leadership Academy as a junior trainer. Being part of the organizational team after being a participant made me feel a profound sense of responsibility and honor. This role is not simply a promotion, it represents recognition of my growth and a chance to contribute to the development of other young leaders,” said Giorgi.

Through this experience, Giorgi discovered something important as a trainer: the best way to understand something deeply is to teach it. Engaging with the material and participants in a different role challenged him and helped him consider different perspectives. Teaching became his most powerful learning experience.

“I’ve learned that sustainable development happens when young people are equipped with confidence, international perspective, and access to mentorship. The Leadership Academy planning team deserves special recognition for creating a brave and safer space where volunteers like me could develop authentically. Their dedication modeled what inclusive leadership looks like in practice.”

Giorgi’s role as the Generation Next Scholarship recipient gave him a clear path – to be part of building safer, braver, more inclusive communities. Whether through medicine, youth leadership, or both, he is committed to this mission. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity and the people who believed in his potential.

“As the journey continues, I am more committed than ever to contributing to a better world that YMCA aspires to create.”