ACT Opens its Doors to the Specialists of Tomorrow

Under Armenia’s tricolor flag, with the timeless music of Komitas carried by Gyumri State Symphony State Orchestra, hundreds of guests gathered before a striking new structure of tuff stone, one destined to be remembered as the “Forge of Tech Knowledge” for generations of bright Armenian minds.

Just two years ago, when the first stones of its foundation were laid, few could have imagined that this college would claim its place as tomorrow’s hub of innovative education. Today, the Armenian Creative Technologies College (ACT), established in honor of its donors, Nshan and Aida Garayans, has opened its doors, ready to nurture talent, creativity, and excellence in three fields of technological education.

The opening ceremony on August 20 drew officials, public figures, and members of the diplomatic corps. But the real stars of the day, 80 newly admitted students, stood quietly at the back, their eyes shining with pride and anticipation. Out of 300 applicants, they were chosen to become the very first ACT students - a title they will carry both as an honor and a responsibility.

From the front row, Nshan and Aida Garayans watched with visible pride. They had witnessed ACT rise floor by floor, stone by stone, until it became a modern campus equipped with cutting-edge technologies to help students thrive and become Armenia’s tech ambassadors of tomorrow.

“Today is one of the most heartwarming moments of my life,” said Nshan Garayans in a heartfelt speech, delivered by his representative. “This college is an investment in the future. It is not just a place of knowledge, but of upbringing, of remembrance, of generations. My wish is that the students of this school become strong, patriotic citizens, and that their knowledge serves not only their personal success, but the progress of our country.”

ACT is the product of a strong partnership between GITC, FAR, the Government of Armenia, and the generosity of the Garayans family. FAR, which has prioritized education since its founding, will continue to stand with ACT as it grows.

"Education has always been our priority, and we have pioneered many innovative programs for the last 30 plus years. An educated generation is the guarantee of Armenia’s development. With ACT, we are entering a new stage. This college, unique of its kind in the entire region, will become a supplier of highly skilled specialists for Armenia’s labor market - a true forge for the future,” said Bagrat Sargsyan, FAR Country Director, in his speech addressed to both the students and the official figures.

ACT College is opening with three core departments. Computer Science that will focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, preparing students to meet the demands of tomorrow’s digital world. In Digital Arts, creativity and technology will merge, equipping students with the skills to transform traditional art into modern expression, while the Engineering and Manufacturing program will boost Armenia’s capacity for innovation and production, shaping the country’s future production.

As ACT’s ED, Amalya Yeghoyan, summed it up: “We can no longer imagine any aspect of life without technology. That is why we call our program the program of the future, and our students-the specialists of the future.”

And so, beneath the proud colors of Armenia’s flag and the eternal music of Komitas, the doors of ACT College have opened not only to a new campus, but to a new chapter in Armenia’s story.

Congratulations to all who made this vision a reality! And let’s stand by our young minds by donating to FAR today!