(Left to Right) AEF Executive Director of Yerevan office Armine Haroyan, Vice – Rector of Artsakh State University Georgi Sahakyan, GTECH – Amalya Yeghoyan, with the first graduating class of Computer Information Systems, and Vice – Rector Karen V. Arushanyan
GLENDALE— On July 1, 2016, Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) Yerevan office Executive Director, Armine Haroyan, participated in the ceremony of awarding diplomas to the first graduating class of Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree from Artsakh State University. This made the AEF Board and members dream become a reality by seeing the first students accepted in the CIS degree program, graduate and contribute toward making Artsakh a technology hub.
In May 2013, the AEF announced $100,000 funding towards establishing a four-year Computer Information Systems degree program, in Artsakh State University in Stepanakert. They signed an agreement with the University in the same year. The funding was to help finance computer hardware, software, instructor salaries, student scholarships, and start a four-year Computer Information Systems degree program, with the aim of promoting IT, modern technology and employment and empowerment in Artsakh.
AEF recognized the importance of economic development for Artsakh and believed that this project will have a big impact in developing the infrastructure needed to bring information technology companies to Artsakh.
“A lot of work went into establishing the department, finalizing the courses, taking books to Artsakh, hiring professors, coordinating with the university leadership, but I am proud to report that the department is established in the University. Now, more and more students apply each year to get into this program” said Alec Baghdasaryan, the AEF Board member who heads this program.
Every year, AEF representatives have met with the University representatives and registered students in the new CIS program and received updates on the progress of the program. The first class admitted to the program was comprised of 23 students. The program that started with total financial support from AEF has grown and currently interest in the CIS program has increased to the level that has the second highest number of applicants, and enjoys the total and financial support of the University and enjoys the total and financial support of the University. As of spring 2016, a total of 87 students were registered in the first through fourth year programs, including those who had to take a sabbatical from their studies to serve in the army.
(Left to Right) Vice – Rector of Artsakh State University Georgi Sahakyan, AEF Executive Director of Yerevan office Armine Haroyan, and Computer Information Systems graduate Hayk Mailyan.
“This is a very proud moment for AEF and everyone who contributed to the success of the AEF’s CIS degree program at Artsakh State University” said Vahe Hacopian, President of AEF. “The graduating class has fulfilled the AEF goal of helping Artsakh State University establish a new high technology program, and prepare students for the much needed IT industry that is rapidly growing in Artsakh. We are hopeful this program will endure and continue to grow, because this program is, as the American saying goes, “a gift that will keep-on giving” to the people of Artsakh.
AEF intends to continue supporting the CIS program at Artsakh State University through its full-tuition four-year scholarship program for all qualified students.
International companies have offices in Artsakh and are ready to offer employment to students of the CIS program. Currently a number of students are employed at these companies, with offices in Artsakh. It is anticipated that, upon graduation, all students will receive full time employment. The high demand for IT graduates has caused increase in number of applicants to the Computer Information Systems program, and the university administration is expecting higher number of applicants and growth in this program in the future.
Since 1950, the Armenian Educational Foundation, Inc. has provided financial assistance to thousands of students and to hundreds of schools in numerous nations. AEF’s fundamental aim has always been the advancement of the Armenian heritage through the support of education. AEF welcomes anyone who shares the commitment of its founding members and who will bring to the organization new energy and fresh ideas. As it looks with optimism toward the future, the AEF hopes to be of even greater assistance to young Armenians pursuing all levels of education, as well as to continue providing financial help to institutions in Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, the United States and Lebanon
Armenian Educational Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Glendale, California.
For more information please contact the AEF office at (818)242-4154 or email aef@aefweb.org or visit us at aefweb.org.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Armenian Educational Foundation Congratulates First CIS Graduates from Artsakh State University