In Armenia, numerous initiatives are working towards creating more opportunities for students to explore STEM disciplines. In each initiative, students usually work with mentors in their chosen disciplines to solve complex problems and design innovative projects. The government, alongside NGOs, provides substantial support for these initiatives, and there is significant collaboration with international tech companies, universities, and research institutions, which often provide expertise, resources, and sometimes internships or scholarships for the best students.
Here's information about some of these initiatives.
Organized annually by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, these Olympiads select the best students with strong skills in their respective fields of study. The winners compete at regional and international Olympiads.
The TUMO Center is a free after-school initiative that offers teenagers the opportunity to explore technology and design. The curriculum involves workshops and self-learning activities in robotics, 3D modelling, app development, animation, video game design, and much more. Partnerships with international organizations allow the center to run international programs and competitions.
Organized by the Armenian Union of Robotics, this contest gathers school and university students to compete in different categories of robotics events. Not only does it stimulate interest in robotics, but it also encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
A joint initiative by the government and the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE), Armath aims to create a network of engineering labs in schools across Armenia. Students learn programming, machine modelling, and 3D printing, among other skills. The most successful students are selected to compete at the pan-Armenian robotics competition.
Although focused more on entrepreneurship, Sevan Startup organizes an annual week-long camp at Lake Sevan, with hackathons and other competitions that challenge young entrepreneurs to come up with innovative tech solutions.
This is an initiative with a focus on inclusion. It organizes training, workshops, and competitions specifically for female students interested in technology.