ARS Youth Connect Program
The Youth Connect Program (YCP) is an ARS pilot program which evolved from the ARS Armenian Studies Program. Currently the YCP is still in its embryonic and experimental phase trying to find the most efficient way to help Armenian youth network with the goal of future collaboration.
The origins of the YCP go back to 1971, when the ARS initiated its Summer Studies Institute to give college and university students an introduction to Armenian language, ancient and modern history, and literature. For nearly three decades, students who have attended the three-week program testify to being enriched and forever changed by the Summer Studies experience. Some students often pursued Armenian Studies degrees back at their institution of higher learning as a direct result of their Summer Studies experience and all have left the program with a life-long appreciation for their Armenian language, history, and culture.
In 2008 the first version of the YCP was launched aiming at bringing young Armenians to be immersed in a week-long program of lectures, social activities, visit various Armenian institutions, hear about internship opportunities both in the US and in Armenia and interact with other youth organizations in the Boston area. Both the Summer Studies and this pilot program have been made possible by the Norian Endowment Fund which has been created through a generous donation by the late Miss Alice Norian and her sister Ms. Doris Norian Lentz with the purpose of promoting Armenian studies in the US.
In 2009 and after evaluating responses from participants in the pilot program, the ARS revamped the YCP and instead of making it a week-long event in the summer it was transformed into a “mobile program” making its debut in New York City with the goal of eventually holding intensive workshops and lectures at various metropolitan areas in Eastern USA.
The Summer Studies program as well as the YCP does not aim at promoting any ideology nor is it a recruitment process for any organization; rather it is a simple attempt to create a network of Armenian college students and to help them realize their intellectual and professional potentials to help themselves and to reach out to others like them.
YCP PROVISIONS
The program is available to any college-aged student between the ages of 18 and 26.
There are no application or participation fees as the program covers lodging, food and transportation for all participants within the metropolitan area where the event is taking place.
It is up to the participants to fund their travel to the location of the YCP.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM
The YCP will take place over a single day and a provisional schedule will include discussions sessions/ lectures as well as an opportunity fair.
Some of the topics discusses would include
- Challenges facing Armenian students today
- Armenians past, present and future
- Introduction to internships in Armenia and in the U.S.
One of the key components of the program would be an opportunity fair where representatives of various organizations with internship opportunities, both in the US and in Armenia, would have an opportunity to present their programs and provide more details for those who are interested in such opportunities.
The director of the program is Prof. Asbed Kotchikian from Bentley University who, in the past, has had extensive experience in developing and directing youth related programs in the US, Armenia and Middle East.
HOW TO APPLY
Please click here and fill out the online application form and email it to arseastus@aol.com
For more information you could contact our office at 617.926.3801
It is highly encouraged that potential participants apply by January 25. This date is important so that the program can make lodging and transportation arrangements to accommodate all participants. Please be also advised that space is limited.
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