Organized by YSU Student Scientific Society, the unprecedented "SSS Summer School" program recently brought together over 40 high school seniors and students from Armenian educational institutions.
The initiative aimed to offer a non-formal setting where prospective university students could explore the university environment, engage with academic staff, and ask questions about their chosen fields of study.
More than 130 applicants applied to join the program, but only 44 were selected to participate.
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Designed as an integrative experience, the program combined lectures, informal discussions, and interactive games, providing participants with unique opportunities for self-expression and personal growth. Among the highlights was a lecture by Mikayel Hovhannisyan, YSU Vice-Rector for Development and Innovations, who shared insights on the university’s history and future vision. Students actively engaged in discussions and posed questions.
In addition to learning about the university and its faculties, participants attended lectures on the regional politics of Iran and Turkey, delivered by Professor Vardan Voskanyan, Head of the Chair of Iranian Studies at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, and Associate Professor Varuzhan Geghamyan, lecturer of the Chair of Turkology at the same faculty.
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Areg Gevorgyan, founder and director of the restaurants "PIDEH," "Kamancha," and "Armat," presented to the participants the characteristics of marketing through memes and influencers— individuals, brands, or groups capable of influencing audience behavior and decisions. He illustrated the advantages and disadvantages of this marketing approach with relevant examples.
Beyond academic topics, the participants took part in a workshop led by Khachik Abajyan, former President of the Student Council and Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Center, who spoke about methods of individual development planning.
Throughout the program, moot court sessions and simulation games were held, organized by the Student Scientific Societies from the Faculties of Law, Geography and Geology, Philosophy and Psychology, Sociology, and International Relations. Participants enjoyed activities such as "GeoCaching-2025," "Psychological Domino," "Rules of Society Game: Social Roles and Labels," and a "Model United Nations" simulation.
Siranush Baghumyan, President of YSU Student Scientific Society, highlighted the positive feedback from attendees, noting that the summer school should become a key part of the society’s strategic plan moving forward.
"The success of the program shows its potential to expand geographically, foster international partnerships, and build connections with students from abroad. This will not only enhance the reputation of the Student Scientific Society but also elevate YSU’s standing on the global stage," Siranush Baghumyan said.
The "SSS Summer School" concluded with an educational excursion to the Khor Virap Monastery, St. Hakob Church, and the Vazgen Sargsyan House-Museum. Participants were awarded certificates recognizing their successful completion of the program.
