GYUMRI — For the past decade, the Shirvanian Youth Center has been shaping the next generation of Gyumri youth through education, leadership development, volunteerism, and cultural preservation.
As the Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, the “We Are Gyumri” Committee proudly marks this milestone with the launch of the 2026 Amaras Summer Day Camp, the opening of applications for the 2026 to 2027 Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship Program, and a special anniversary celebration on July 13 honoring the visionaries, donors, volunteers, and partners whose commitment has helped transform thousands of young lives.
Since opening its doors in 2016, the Shirvanian Youth Center has become one of Gyumri’s premier educational and cultural institutions. Over the past ten years, it has served more than 5,000 children and young adults, organized more than 300 educational and cultural programs, hosted over 20 summer camps, welcomed more than 1,000 children from Artsakh, awarded more than 100 scholarships to university students across Shirak Province, mobilized 500 volunteers who have contributed over 15,000 hours of community service, established more than 100 partnerships, and launched over 50 educational, artistic, and skills-development initiatives.
What began as a vision to invest in Armenia’s youth has grown into a lasting movement that continues to strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations.
The anniversary celebration will also commemorate the naming of the Marguerite Youredjian Hall, made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian in loving memory of Mr. Youredjian’s mother, Marguerite Youredjian. A woman whose life was defined by compassion and service, Marguerite devoted years to helping families in Gyumri recover from the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake by providing critical aid, housing, and hope to those who had lost everything.
She lived by the guiding philosophy of “Love in Action,” a principle that continues to inspire her family’s philanthropic efforts, including support for housing initiatives, university scholarships, rural development, and educational opportunities throughout Armenia. Longtime supporters of the We Are Gyumri initiative, the Youredjian family has played a significant role in advancing the Center’s mission and expanding opportunities for young Armenians.
The Shirvanian Youth Center stands today because of the extraordinary generosity of its many supporters, beginning with the late Hacob and Mina Shirvanian, whose lifelong commitment to education and cultural advancement inspired the creation of the Center. Named in their honor, the Center continues to carry forward their legacy through the steadfast dedication of their daughter, Alice Petrossian, and her husband, Vahik, whose continued leadership and support have been instrumental to the Center’s ongoing success. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Vahik and Alice Petrossian have remained unwavering champions of the Center, helping to expand its impact and ensure that the Shirvanian’s vision continues to enrich the lives of generations of young Armenians.
Founded on July 11, 2016, through the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee’s We Are Gyumri initiative, the Center was established on the belief that educated, engaged, and values-driven youth are the foundation of a strong Armenia. Housed in a restored historic building that was severely damaged during the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, the Center has become a vibrant symbol of renewal, resilience, and hope while serving as a meaningful bridge between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.
Continuing its investment in Armenia’s future, the Center is launching Amaras 2026, its annual summer day camp inspired by the historic Amaras Monastery in Artsakh, where Mesrop Mashtots established the first Armenian school. The program brings together hundreds of children and teenagers for an immersive experience centered on Armenian identity, history, leadership, community service, environmental stewardship, the arts, and teamwork.
Interviews are now taking place for the 2026 to 2027 Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to university and vocational students while encouraging academic excellence, civic engagement, and volunteer service.
As the Shirvanian Youth Center enters its second decade, it remains steadfast in its mission to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of Armenian leaders. By investing in young people today, the Center continues to strengthen Armenia’s future while preserving the values, identity, and spirit that define the Armenian nation.
The Shirvanian Youth Center is one of Gyumri’s leading educational and cultural institutions, providing free educational programs, scholarships, youth leadership initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement programs that empower young Armenians and strengthen the bond between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.
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