Foundations for Future Armenian Professionals

The problem our organization is seeking to address is the lack of funding and support for our elemental programs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current political upheaval in Armenia, our ability to raise funds that would be used for creation, build-out, expansion and modernization of our programs is stifled. Additionally, as a non-profit organization, our operating budget derives from donations and membership dues, which makes it challenging to acquire a budget to support our programs. There are not many resources available specifically tailored for young Armenian professionals. Through our Scholarship and Mentorship programs, we can create positive and impactful partnerships with Armenian professionals in the Los Angeles area and beyond. This resource will grant participants first-hand insight on their aspiring career fields from seasoned professionals and will allow for training and opportunities to aid them in their early careers, which they would not have access to on their own.

The Scholarship Program is the pillar of the organization. Each year, approximately $17,500 is awarded to eligible Armenian graduate students to aid in their educational advancement. Financial support from this grant will go towards marketing and program expansion, so that we may be able to support more Graduate students than we currently have the capacity to do. Additionally, the Mentorship Program, which is a newer program with approximately 45 mentors and mentees, is one the organization hopes to expand in size. This program’s goal is to garner conversation, understanding, and discovery of a similar or new professional industry among participants. Funding will be used for marketing, investment in managing programs, training, and other resources. In addition, the GALA is the vital event of the year, where scholarship recipients are recognized and members of the organization can come together to celebrate each other's accomplishments. It is also an integral networking opportunity.

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Currently, there are over 250,000 individuals on Armenian descent living in the greater Los Angeles area. WIth the proper networking and structure, the Armenian community can have a greater impact in professional fields and come together with one another to learn, educate, and connect with individuals from all different backgrounds. As a non-political organization, we take great pride in cultural advancement. With the help of LA 2050, we hope to be able to do just that for young professionals of Armenian descent. We understand that not everyone has the same resources to be able to advance and grow professionally, therefore APS aims to give back to those who need it the most, by investing in them so they can invest in themselves. With assistance into the Scholarship and Mentorship programs and the GALA event, APS can provide fundamental resources for young Armenian professionals to learn, grow, and prosper in their respective communities, paving the way for generations to come.

The programs mentioned in this proposal are not new programs, although the Mentorship Program is in its early years of implementation. The Scholarship Program and the GALA have been in existence since the founding of the organization in 1958. The Mentorship Program is a newer program, started around two years ago, which we hope to expand with the help of this grant. We measure the impact these programs provide for Armenian professionals by our membership numbers, monetary donations by individuals and organizations, and by surveying award recipients and making sure these awards are ultimately used to advance the individual professionally.

College graduates