Math Honors Program Empowers Young Armenians

Vahan Baghdasaryan’s path to success began with a deep love for mathematics - a passion that took root in childhood and continues to grow through his studies at Yerevan State University. Driven by a curiosity for numbers and problem-solving, Vahan is earning his BA in math and joined the university’s prestigious Math Honors Program.

He sees artificial intelligence as his lifelong field of discovery, believing that a solid foundation in math is essential. This belief led him to the Math Honors Program, designed to help exceptional students explore advanced mathematical concepts. Thanks to FAR’s Armenian National Science and Education Fund (ANSEF) and the Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF), Vahan was able to study Mathematical Analysis.

“Through the program, we covered topics like Mathematical Analysis, starting with the basics and moving into complex ideas like sequences of functions. It’s a completely different experience from what we usually get at university. Here, we really focus on understanding the reasoning behind each concept, which builds much stronger intuition,” says Vahan who believes that Armenia’s traditional university curricula are outdated and not aligned with the demands of 21st-century education.

“This program makes learning much more accessible and motivating. We study with experienced instructors who help us through challenging material. At first, it might seem hard, but once you understand how it works, it becomes fascinating and rewarding.”

With each year, the Math Honors Program continues to grow. “The FAR-ASOF Math Honors Program has been a transformative experience,” says Vatche Sahakian, a member of ANSEF’s Research Council. “It’s now expanding into a broader initiative under ARCS.ai, exploring fields like AI, robotics, and biotech, thanks to FAR’s strategic vision and ASOF’s strong commitment to education.”

Launched in 2022, the Math Honors Program stems from the collaborative efforts of the Yervant Terzian Armenian National Science and Education Fund (ANSEF) and the Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF). This unique initiative, known for its rarity and challenging nature in advanced math, aims to inspire and equip young minds for the rigors of postgraduate life and careers.