The knowledge day was marked with the announcement of the launch of the “Generation AI” program that took place at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. Within this program, AI education will be implemented in several high schools in Armenia. In particular, starting from January 2023, a number of high school students from Yerevan and Tavush will have opportunities to learn advanced math, programming, basics of machine learning, and deep learning, as well as get relevant skills and career orientation to learn about the profession of the AI scientist and continue education in the field. In parallel to the high school program, initiatives in higher education are also implemented to ensure the continuity of AI researchers’ education.

 This program is implemented within the framework of the plan for piloting the credit transfer system in the secondary education system undertaken by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

 

 The Generation AI program is designed and initiated in collaboration with the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. It is aimed at creating a platform for unifying efforts and projects of the educational institutions and industry.

 

 During the event, Minister Vahram Dumanyan and FAST’s Founding CEO Armen Orujyan signed an agreement of cooperation that describes the main directions of the program's implementation. Mr. Dumanyan emphasized the symbolism of the fact that the program’s start is announced on September 1, the Day of Knowledge, and added with confidence that the parties will do their best to carry it forward successfully.

 

“Today, we signed a document regarding which we had various discussions, and as a result, an approach was formed that we recorded today. We want to introduce a series of courses in high schools to prepare the students for learning Artificial Intelligence. Depending on the project results, we should also develop regulations related to the credit transfer system so that the knowledge acquired by students is transferred to the higher education system in the form of credits. In the future, a close connection should be created between universities and schools so that the solutions for mutual recognition are settled, and the curricula are aligned," mentioned Vahram Dumanyan.

 

"This cooperation is very important for us as we consider artificial intelligence a locomotive for integrating into the educational system and providing competitive knowledge to our students. We are very happy that this cooperation is already a reality, and we are starting the program's pilot phase with joint efforts. We hope that in a very short time, it will be integrated into many high schools of the entire republic, and we will be able to bring systemic change jointly," said Armen Orujyan.

 

The Generation AI program team has already started the work with schools, the pilot stage is planned to last from January 2023 to June 2026. In case of success, it will be scaled up and be accessible for all high school students. With the parties' joint efforts, the curricula and teaching materials, as well as capacity-building programs for teachers and industry specialists, are being developed. It is also planned to create centralized Artificial Intelligence centers with appropriate infrastructure in Yerevan and the regions of the Republic of Armenia to ensure the continuity of the capacity-building program for teaching staff, as well as be usable for school projects and practical assignments by students.

 

About the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology

 

FAST was established in 2017 with the mission to create a favorable ecosystem for advancing technological innovation and promoting scientific progress in Armenia. The foundation's vision is to support Armenia to become a leading innovative country by 2041. To this end, the foundation implements various projects aimed at bringing profound changes in three important pillars: education, science, and commercialization of scientific results. In 2022, FAST celebrates the fifth anniversary of its establishment, within the framework of which large events are planned both in Armenia and abroad.

 

 

  -   Science and Technology