As STEAM education—a method of knowledge exploration that guides student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking using the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics—is changing the landscape of learning, AGBU recently joined the movement with an original initiative called Innovation Studios. The concept breaks the mold by providing middle and high school age Armenian youth with opportunities to not only acquire the hard and soft skills for careers of tomorrow, but also simultaneously connect with their Armenian identity as an integral part of the process.
The inaugural winter/spring session begins on February 26th with 10-week workshop studios held once per week on Saturdays at the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Center in Pasadena, CA. Both morning and afternoon sessions are available to allow as many young minds as possible to explore multiple themes.
AGBU Western Region’s Educational Programs Manager Nare Avagyan described the vision for Innovation Studios as a means of fostering a unique cultural experience by engaging with Armenian society in novel ways. “Our goal is to provide a creative space in which students are free to explore real world topics and solve complex challenges using creativity and critical thinking. We hope to equip them with the tools and design skills needed to tackle any challenges in their educational or career journey—all while enriching their Armenian identity.”
AGBU Innovation Studios is a hands-on open-workshop environment that works counter to the structured, standardized curricula of the traditional classroom, organized into small groups in which each young person can shine in his or her journey of self-realization. With access to 3-D printers and laser cutters, the latest software in graphics, art, music, photography, video, animation, robotics, and game design, along with a wealth of mixed media materials for traditional arts and crafts, the means to creating inventive and original products of the mind, imagination and spirit are in easy reach.
In consultation with the creative education specialists of Cambridge (MA)-based NuVu, Innovation Studios also sparks collaboration, critical thinking and connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. Each workshop session is guided by a Studio Coach, an expert in a specific STEAM field and specially trained to serve as a facilitator for experiential learning. For each STEAM field, there are inherent skill sets. For example, the upcoming winter session offers two workshops: Living Architecture, which will expose participants to conceptual design, sustainable systems, architectural design, sketching, scale model building and simple mechanisms; and Self-Illumination, which features product design, reflective journaling, sketching, laser cutting, 3-D printing, coding and electronics hardware—a rich toolbox for self-expression through the medium of light.
AGBU Central Board Member Lena Sarkissian, who oversees the organization’s Education Department, reports that a high level of interest and enthusiasm were expressed during focus group sessions with parents and teens that AGBU organized among the AGBU Western Region community.
"As a parent, these days you are continuously bombarded by the following words: creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Also, the extracurricular market is full of options such as, computer classes, robotics, STEM and much more. AGBU Innovation Studios is integrating all the above in order not simply to develop skills but also to develop new mindsets. Its about empowering our youth with a can-do sense of ‘I can take on any challenge.’ AGBU Innovation Studios has taken the need to develop technological skills and combined it with developing one's creative and entrepreneurial skills, and infusing all this with Armenian content."
Avagyan offered an overview of the dynamics at play in a typical Innovation workshop experience. First, under the guidance of a Studio Coach, each group of participants per workshop is introduced to the array of digital software and materials at their disposal. Once familiar with the functionality and applications of these options, they come to a consensus as to what Armenian-related project or product to develop as a group. The theme could be derived from Armenian architecture, language, ancient arts, historical figures or events, or a message or narrative they wish to share with the world through mixed-media storytelling such as dance, art or film and the written word. The final product is presented in public forums, after which the participants can sign up for the next session. For the summer session, Innovation Studios is open Mondays through Fridays for up to 6 hours a day, with a new workshop introduced every two weeks.
According to Avagyan, the mix of participants will reflect the wide-ranging demographics of the Armenian community of Greater Los Angeles. This includes newly arrived immigrants from Armenia and the Middle East who will be working alongside students as assimilated as fifth generation Armenian-Americans. She also notes that the Innovation Studios model can be applied in every Armenian community.
“In the long run, we anticipate our participants will connect with their peers in Armenia, in other parts of the world, and that they'll do creative, collaborative work. We want them to think big. We want them to be the next generation of young Armenian innovators, creators, not just for our own community, but at a global level.”
Registration for the winter/spring session of AGBU Innovation Studios ends on February 20, 2022. To learn more and sign up, go to agbuinnovationstudios.org
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora. Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org.
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