The Foundation for Armenian Science and Technologies (FAST) jointly with the Defense Ministry of Armenia are launching the “Unit 1991” second training course in all regions of Armenia. The admission process started on April 3 and will last till June 8. The course kicks off in July 2020.  

The application is open for future conscripts (preference will be given to those who will be conscripted in winter) and young women with at least a Bachelor’s degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ready to be engaged in projects proposed by the RA Ministry of Defense on a voluntary or contract basis upon completing the training course graduation.

David Sarkisyan, FAST Vice President for Advanced Research Initiatives, told Mediamax about the peculiarities of the second training course.

The application form is available on our website. Application deadline is June 8. We will analyze the applications within a few weeks of receiving them and conduct the first testing stage. It may be held online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The final selection will be done in the second stage, based on the interviews," David Sarkisyan said.

Applicants' level of knowledge

Just like in the first training course the number of applicants won’t be restricted in the second one either.

“We are trying to establish the minimal level of knowledge which we think is mandatory for participating in the course. Since our goal is to prepare young people for service in “Unit 1991” in a short period of time, the training course is very intensive,” says David Sarkisyan.

One third of the participants of the first training course are high school students, and the rest are university students. The organizers expect that the number of applicants from high schools will increase in the second course, since university students can no longer defer their studies.

High school students are expected to have strong logical skills and good knowledge of mathematics: derivatives, functions, some elements of probability theory, and programming skills.

David Sarkisyan

Photo: Mediamax

“We try not to include questions from university program in the tests so that high school students have opportunities for equal competition,” David Sarkisyan emphasizes.

Expanded geography

FAST and the American University of Armenia (AUA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the AUA Open Education to organize the second training course in Dilijan and Vanadzor.

“When we were launching the first course we received numerous applications from young people living in the regions who were asking to organize classes in the regions as well, since it was difficult for many to travel to Yerevan. Nevertheless, there were participants from regions in the first course who had overcome the distance. Since classes are now held online, everyone is in the same state.

Photo: Mediamax

From the very beginning our philosophy was that the course should be free of charge across the country regardless of participants’ place of living. Now we are trying to implement this philosophy step by step. We have managed to conduct the first course also in Gyumri and Agarak, and now we are expanding to Dilijan and Vanadzor,” said David Sarkisyan. 

FAST is seeking trainers for three educational modules in these towns. Application deadline is May 25.

Selection will be done according to several criteria based on professional education and work experience. Selected trainers will undergo one-month training and will get acquainted with the modules in detail. If necessary, they can also retrain and change their qualification.

The selected trainers will complete an intensive training course organized by FAST and a remuneration package for trainers will be offered in accordance with AUA Open Education guidelines.

David Sarkisyan

Photo: Mediamax

“By expanding into the regions we will preserve the quality of teaching. The first survey conducted among the participants has shown that most of them have highly estimated the education quality. Now we want to provide some standardization by equally “covering” all the topics and moving forward with synchronized speed in all educational centers,” said David Sarkisyan. 

The participants of the second training course who live in remote settlements and can’t visit the centers will be able to attend the course online.

FAST is open for cooperation with universities and private companies in the regions interested in organizing courses, and is already negotiating with a couple of organizations. 

Possibilities for women

“Many women and girls expressed desire to take part in “Unit 1991” training course and in the future get engaged in projects proposed by the Ministry of Defense. This is why we decided to also involve women and girls. Unlike men, having a STEM Bachelor’s degree is mandatory for girls. Hundreds of applications have already been received, several dozen of which are from women and girls.

Marie Taryan 

Photos: Emin Aristakesyan

Video: Gayane Yenokyan