YMCA Scholarship, established through the Generation Next Program, has welcomed eight new and two continuing scholarship recipients from Armenia. Studying at the American University of Armenia, the students embraced the opportunity to contribute to program initiatives, which in turn allowed them to develop soft skills and encouraged civic responsibility.
The eight new recipients are entering the sophomore year of their studies. While building foundational knowledge, they actively participate in programs within Generation Next and Roots for Peace to gain the much-needed interpersonal and project-based learning experience which will help them become the future leaders of Armenia in their respective fields.
Kristine Hovsepyan is one of the students benefiting from the scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. She is from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) studying English and Communications.
Volunteering has been a big part of her life in her hometown contributing to her social skills and personal growth. Now, as a recipient of the YMCA Scholarship, Kristine is eager to continue her volunteering journey and focus on helping her community.
Another student, Gor Arzanyan, comes from Goris, Syunik region of Armenia. He majors in Computer Science with the goal to become a qualified specialist and contribute to the economic and educational development of Armenia.
Anna Aslibekyan is pursuing a business degree. With a rich background volunteering in the capital and across the country, Anna looks forward to developing new skills to create change.
Another student, Elene Hovsepyan, is majoring in Data Science with a minor in Environmental Studies to promote awareness on environmental issues. In the future, she hopes to dive deep in bioinformatics, travel the world, and continue volunteering.
Lili Girgoryan’s passion for community impact encourages her involvement in charitable organizations. In addition to volunteerism, Lili hopes to open her own IT company hiring the bright Armenain youth in the field.
Originally from Russia, Mariam Bolyan repatriated to Armenia for higher education. With a deep interest in communications, Mariam learns foreign languages as well as sign language to better understand and connect with people around the world.
Meruzhan Markosyan is from Spitak town, Lori region of Armenia. Being part of YMCA Spitak since childhood, Meruzhan has been exposed to various volunteering opportunities and community work, which has shaped him into a well-rounded individual.
Majoring in Politics and Governance, Nare Ohanjanyan aims to become a human rights defender, particularly children’s rights, and open an organization to provide opportunities to children who have been affected by injustice.
Hakob is one of the two students receiving the YMCA Scholarship for the second year round. He comes from Vardenik village, Gegharkunik region of Armenia and will be graduating in 2025 with a master’s degree in Public Affairs.
Hakob has served in the army and participated in the 44-Day War in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). His primary goal is to contribute to the prosperity of Armenia, especially the bordering villages.
Artyom Dokholyan is another holder of the YMCA Scholarship for the second year. Hailing from Vanadzor, Lori region, Artyom aims to complete his Master’s degree in Public Affairs and continue contributing to his community for positive change.
With YMCA Europe’s dedication to youth empowerment and the students’ active engagement in the Generation Next program, the scholarship program will continue developing awareness of social responsibility, personal and professional skill set, as well as collaborative mindset.
