More than 460 high school students from Armenia and the diaspora have gathered in Hankavan for the second annual AI Careers Camp, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help young people explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and future careers.
Organized by the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) in partnership with the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA Armenia), the camp brings together participants ages 14 to 17 for an immersive summer experience that combines career exploration, speed networking with AI professionals and traditional camp activities.
The initiative builds on FAST’s Generation AI High School Project, which integrates advanced AI education into Armenia’s public school system and extends learning opportunities beyond the classroom. It offers students an opportunity to discover AI-related professions, explore real-world applications of AI across industries, identify their strengths and develop personalized pathways for academic and professional growth.
“Helping young people envision and prepare for their future is essential,” said Suzanna Shamakhyan, executive director of FAST.
“The camp has a strong career-guidance focus. It takes participants on a journey from self-discovery and skills development to speed-dating sessions with AI professionals. We want participants to discover their strengths and explore new career pathways opening up with the advancement of AI.”
As co-organizers, FAST leads the camp’s educational content, while AMAA ensures a vibrant daily program filled with games, competitions, and recreational activities.
“Education does not begin and end in the classroom,” said Aren Deyirmenjian, director of AMAA Armenia.
“At Hankavan, we strive to create an environment where young people can discover their talents, build skills that will serve them throughout their lives, and develop new aspirations for the future. Our partnership with FAST enriches that mission with knowledge in the field of AI.”
New this year is a three-day Entrepreneurial AI Camp, delivered in collaboration with Berlin-based IMPACT Week, an organization that has provided training for global companies including Lufthansa and Mercedes Benz. The program introduces students to design thinking, equipping them with skillset to transform ideas into real-world solutions.
This year’s camp also welcomes IDBank as its Financial Literacy Partner, delivering interactive workshops that equip participants with financial knowledge and skills for the future. Complementing these efforts, Nairi Insurance has provided accident insurance coverage for all attendees, supporting student safety and well-being.
AMAA and FAST are founding members of the 405 Educational Alliance, a collaborative network of Armenia’s leading educational organizations.
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), founded in 1918 in Massachusetts, USA, has been active in Armenia for over three decades, implementing educational, social, healthcare, economic, and spiritual-cultural programs through more than 400 staff across the country.
Its educational mission focuses on a new school model, piloted at the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School, integrating a day center and planned expansion with a school-based health center and community services, with further cluster schools envisioned in other regions.
A key non-formal education initiative is Camp Hankavan, offering year-round programs and facilities such as accommodation, conference halls, sports areas, pavilions and an amphitheater, while generating support for school construction in Vardenis and house building for Artsakh Armenians in Tavush.
The Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) was founded in 2017 with the aim of creating a favorable ecosystem to promote technological innovation and scientific advancement in Armenia. FAST develops and pilots programs with the potential for a long-term, sustainable impact on Armenia’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Over its nine years of operation, the foundation has implemented 31 programs and impacted more than 27,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries.
