Stepping Stones
How career development led to community giving for Tro Manoukian
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One summer can shape a lifetime. The AGBU Global Leadership Program (AGBU GLP) is tailored to unite, inspire and motivate college and graduate students of Armenian descent in a unique global setting over the course of two short months.
With personalized placements in stimulating work environments, each participant is intentionally connected with like-minded professionals, getting an early start in building their career network as they acquire new skills. In addition, complementary activities geared at leadership training and professional development equip participants with tools for their individual progress while fostering a network of support from supervisors, community mentors and peers.
The success of the flagship program in New York in 1987 inspired the launch of sister programs throughout the world, including in Los Angeles (1989), Paris (2003), Yerevan (2007), Moscow (2010), London (2015), Buenos Aires (2017) and most recently Boston (2019). Regardless of location, one thing is constant: each person leaves more connected to the Armenian heritage, more bonded with like-minded peers, and more self confident and prepared for the future.
Applications Open for 2024
Applications are now open for the 2024 season.
Application Deadline - November 10, 2023
Rolling Admission - Check your eligibility and learn about program details below.
Important Dates
Boston Session Begins
09
June 2024
New York Session Begins
16
June 2024
Yerevan Session Begins
16
June 2024
Become a Supervisor or Mentor
The Global Leadership Program relies on the good will and dedication of professional supervisor and mentors throughout the world. Committing 6-8 weeks in the summer to young and talented Armenians is an investment in the future. Connect with us to find out more on how to engage.
Our Story
Since 1987, dedicated program teams have followed the lead of visionary founders Vartkess & Rita Balian to ensure the investment in the growth of our future leaders. They ensured that generations of young Armenians nurture and develop their professional and cultural identities.
Meet Our Alumni
Our Global Leadership Program participants cite their summer experiences as springboards for their professional success and community success. Check out our global network of impressive alumni and what they are accomplishing today:
The Alchemy of Aleen
Manager Aleen Keshishian transforms Hollywood’s hopes and dreams into reality
Leading By Example
How coach David Dikranian empowers youth and promotes gender equality through excellence in soccer
An Educator Through and Through
Ani Shabazian draws on her past to improve the lives of children through education
Preparedness is Everything
Dr. Sharon Anoush Chekijian is committed to making Armenia resilient to medical disasters
Leveraging Social Media
Shaghig Rastkelenian puts the spotlight on Armenia through social media
The Conscientious Consultant
Ari Libarikian measures success by mentoring colleagues and helping others in need
Give for the Future
Our program offers financial aid and scholarships to Armenian youth from around the world. Help us provide opportunities for future global leaders by making a contribution today.
Program Information
Eligibility & Fees
Highly-motivated and aspiring leaders of Armenian descent are invited to apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements listed below. Applicants are selected based on academic excellence, community involvement, and professional and personal interests.
All applicants must submit a completed application, including letters of reference by the application deadline. No exceptions will be made.
Full dates of the program:
- Boston: June 9 - August 3, 2024
- New York: June 16 - August 10, 2024
- Yerevan: June 16 - July 27, 2024
All applicants must be:
- Enrolled in a 4-year accredited university; transfers from community college must have completed at least one year at a 4-year college or university.
- A sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.
- Between the ages of 19 – 26.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 (B) or international equivalent.
- Note: prior involvement in Armenian community is appreciated, but not required.
Language requirements:
- For Boston and New York: Advanced proficiency level required in English
- For Yerevan: Advanced proficiency level required in Armenian, English or Russian
Our program requires two separate fees: An application fee and a participation Fee.
A one-time $50 application fee must be submitted for an application to be deemed complete.
Note: Should an applicant choose to apply to more than one city for the upcoming program period, only one application fee is required.
Upon acceptance to the program city, participants will be billed for the appropriate Program Fee. This fee takes into account the cost of housing accommodations and organized group activities and excursions throughout the program. It does not include the cost of transportation, meals or personal expenses.
Summer 2024 Cities and Fees
- Boston: $4,500 USD
- New York: $4,500 USD
- Yerevan: $2,500 USD
AGBU believes that all qualified young Armenians should have the opportunity to participate in its programs, regardless of financial means. We proudly maintain a need-blind admission process so that our selection committees can evaluate the merit of each application, not the financial capacity of the applicant when making admissions decisions.
Additionally, we provide partial- and full-tuition financial aid awards to participants who demonstrate legitimate financial need. These awards cover the fees affiliated with accommodations and program activities.
Financial Aid Applications are submitted after acceptance to the program. Financial aid decisions are made after acceptance to the program.
Note: AGBU does not provide stipends to cover participant meals, transportation and other living expenses.
Housing
AGBU strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all program participants. Housing accommodations in each host city provide 24/7 building security, basic furnishings, shared group kitchens, and separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Some cities provide apartment-style suites while others are in university dorms. In all instances, participants are roomed together by gender.
Program accommodations serve as a true home base for the entire group and participants are expected to treat their personal space, as well as shared spaces with respect. This home becomes the heart of many group dinners and activities.
Learn more about the specific accommodations of each location below.
Participants reside in the apartment-style residences of Northeastern University with easy access to public transportation and near the enchanting Newbury Street, Fenway Park, the Charles River Esplanade and the Museum of Fine Arts. Housing is also close to Watertown, which is famous for its variety of Armenian restaurants and grocers.
Accommodation features include shared air-conditioned suites (2-4 people per suite), a communal kitchen & sitting area, semi-private bathrooms, laundry in building, Wi-Fi and 24/7 building security.
Participants reside in apartment-style dorms at New York University in the heart of the Village in New York City. The New York University Coral Towers Building is walking distance from the famous Washington Square Park, and a number of renowned restaurants and bustling businesses.
Accommodation features include shared suites (2 people per room), a communal kitchen & sitting area, semi-private bathrooms, laundry in building (extra cost), Wi-Fi and 24/7 building security.
AGBU owns and maintains its own private facility just outside the delightful city center. The AGBU Vahe Karapetian Center, is a spacious, state-of-the-art, fully furnished multi-purpose facility for international youth who have traveled for AGBU activities.
Accommodation features include shared bedrooms (3 people per room), a communal kitchen & indoor entertainment space including a library, chess room, game room, and TV room. The space also boasts a comfortable outdoor entertainment space. Services include daily breakfast, Wi-Fi, free laundry and cleaning service and a 24/7 building security guard.
The program maintains a reasonable curfew for the safety of the group.
Placements & Activities
Home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, Boston is an international center of health and academia, making it an ideal host city for students of all disciplines and backgrounds. Given Greater Boston’s powerful global businesses across a wide range of industry sectors, the city offers a diversity of experiences in countless fields. Along with the support and engagement of the local Armenian community, participants will benefit from a formal Mentorship Program with AGBU Young Professionals. Throughout their eight-week adventure, they will meet dynamic leaders from various industries while they explore the city like locals.
Walking the Freedom Trail, whale watching, sailing on the Charles River, enjoying a day with the Red Sox in Fenway Park and catching Movie Night at the Esplanade are only a few of the varied and exciting activities in store. Weekends are an opportunity for group trips exploring the beautiful New England region, with a hiking trip scheduled to the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire.
Connecting with one of the oldest Armenian communities in the United States is arguably one of the most rewarding experiences Boston can offer our Global Leaders. The many historic locations, including Boston’s Armenian Library and Museum, provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the Armenian heritage. Furthermore, our AGBU GLP cohort will both participate in community service projects and engage in many local traditions.
Past placements include:
- Harvard Medical School
- Tufts Medical School
- Massachusetts Eye & Ear
- Harvard University
- Longwood Dental
- Empyrean Solutions
- Engineering Planning and Management, Inc.
- Waterstone Advisors
- The Broad Institute
- Tetragenetics Inc.
- Pandemic Labs
The “city that never sleeps” has an unending list of opportunities for personal and professional discovery. Navigating the city to explore world-class art museums, the renowned food scene and the buzzing nightlife is only half the fun. After mastering the hectic commute of the packed subways, participants are one step closer to becoming true New Yorkers, if only for the summer. With a robust AGBU Young Professionals presence and the support of the AGBU Headquarters, participants benefit from a formal mentorship program where they are matched with local YPs for the duration of their stay. This has become an invaluable step in personal network building and a true bridge between generations of Armenian professionals in the city and around the world.
In addition, Broadway shows, New York Mets baseball games, picnics in Central Park and more are on the activities roster each year as a summer in New York City has unlimited access to the world’s most unique cultural activities. Participants also regularly engage in service and outreach. Past activities include working with local PBS children’s events and visits to the Armenian old age home. The opportunities to connect to local communities through service projects.
Past placements include:
- Northwestern Mutual
- Morgan Stanley
- Michael Aram
- designingtheWE
- Lincoln Capital
- City National Bank
- Alex. Brown
- News Deeply
- Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN
- NextRev
- HENRY the Dentist
- theMednet
- A&E Real Estate Holdings
- Forbes
A trip to the homeland is always memorable, but living in the homeland becomes a truly transformative experience. Yerevan is one of the hidden gems of the Caucasus, with a buzzing art, music and culinary scene. In fact, National Geographic cited Yerevan as one of the top 10 places that deserves more travelers!
Our Global Leaders become more than just travelers in Yerevan, they become one with Armenia as they learn their way around the capital and explore the wonders just outside of it. Living under the same roof, the cohort often finds the best nights are the ones spent cooking together and living like locals.
Immersed in Armenian culture, participants have weekly language classes with the AGBU Armenian Virtual College and enjoy weekly folk-dance sessions with AGBU Nork Children’s Center instructors. The classes come to life through sightseeing tours and cultural visits to Yerevan’s museums, theaters and opera. Organized excursions outside of Yerevan include trips to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Garni Temple, the Geghard Monastery, and the towns of Gyumri and Dilijan. Some of the most popular excursions include an annual day trip to Lake Sevan, and a hike on Mount Aragats.
Past participants include:
- Arabkir Joint Medical center
- Heratsi Hospital Complex N1
- Izmirlian Medical Center
- International Human Development Center (IHDC)/ IPP
- Grant Thornton
- Microsoft Armenia
- Synopsis
- International Instruments
- Deem Communications
- Archangel Architectural Studio
- Storaket Architectural Studio
- ICARE Fund
- Central Bank of Armenia
- Unibank
- Orran NGO
- Concept Studio
- Human Rights Defender of Armenia
Mentors & Supervisors
Mentors
Throughout the program participants have ample opportunity to build their network meeting with local young professionals and career experts from the community. With a 30-year alumni network built on longstanding AGBU values, each city has a sea of local mentors who meet with participants on a regular basis through special events.
A formal mentorship program in Boston, New York and Yerevan pairs our participants with more seasoned leaders offering a unique prospect for long-term growth. Mentors are expected to attend certain events, serve as an additional resource in the community and connect with their mentees during the program.
Supervisors
Hosting a Global Leadership Program participant and providing them with a life-changing experience can be incredibly rewarding for both participant and supervisor.
AGBU’s participants pass through a rigorous, multi-faceted admissions process. They are among the most talented students within the global Armenian community, hailing from top universities, exhibiting an appreciation for a strong community, and demonstrating a proven work ethic that has been instilled in our community for generations.
To become a mentor or supervisor, please connect with us at glp@agbu.org
FAQs
Upon acceptance to the AGBU Global Leadership Program, each participant undergoes the placement process, beginning with an extensive interview with Program Coordinators to determine the best fit for their interest and talent.
After participants are placed, AGBU ensures that each individual is properly oriented to his or her new city and ready for their new adventure.
To become a supervisor, please connect with us at glp@agbu.org
Applicants are notified of the decision within 30 days of receipt of a complete application on a rolling basis. Final decision will be made by early-December; Due to the limited number of spots available in the Program, some applicants will be placed on a wait list.
Expenses covered by the participation fee include lectures, sponsored dinners, networking events, social and cultural activities. The housing fee covers lodging expenses (including utilities) and building security. Participants are responsible for meals and transportation for the duration of the program. We recommend that participants budget from 200 USD to 250 USD per week (depending on the city) for meals, transportation and pocket money.
All participants and program coordinators are expected to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines, as required by each dorm and outlined by the GLP Committee. All participants and program coordinators are required to be fully vaccinated no less than 2 weeks before June 9, 2024 and proof of vaccination must be submitted prior to arrival in the host city.
All participants must have medical insurance during their stay. We recommend purchasing a travel medical plan to cover medical costs as a precautionary measure. Medical insurance can be purchased the time participants book their flight.
All participants must bring a valid photo ID with their date of birth and passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their departure date. It is also advised that participants carry a photo ID card with their date of birth.
During the duration of the program, the program managers and activities coordinators will live with the group at the respective residence. They will be available to answer questions and assist participants throughout their stay. In addition, there is 24-hour security at the entrance of each residence.
Overnight guests are not permitted under any circumstances. There is no exception to this rule.
The program is designed to ensure a well-rounded experience filled with unique mentoring and networking events, professional lectures and presentations, community service and cultural activities scheduled in the evenings and weekends. These activities are mandatory for all participants. Of course, every city has something different to offer by way of activities. Exploring the host city is an adventure in and of itself, and events are always planned to take advantage of what the local culture has to offer. In addition to mandatory scheduled events, optional social activities are also offered.
Please check out our Important Dates section to find your city’s schedule.
All host cities have great public transportation systems and are also great settings for long or short walks. During orientation, participants will learn how to navigate local public transportation and will be provided with recommendations on taxi use.
AGBU arranges for comfortable and secure housing accommodations in all cities. Ranging from private shared housing to dormitories, all participants can be assured of basic amenities (electric, Wi-Fi etc.) including shared kitchen facility and 24/7 security. To understand the specific accommodations of a local host city, please visit the Housing section.
A complete packing list will be provided to participants prior to their arrival. This will include our guidelines for professional attire as well as housing essentials.
Yes, participants are placed in rooms with one or two roommates of the same gender for the duration of the program.
High speed internet is available in the rooms as well as common areas.
Yes, to ensure the safety of all participants, certain host cities maintain reasonable curfews.
No overnight guests are permitted. Any participant who does not adhere to this regulation will be dismissed from the program. No refunds will be issued for individuals failing to follow this guideline. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made.
Additional accommodations will not be provided for those arriving before or leaving after the assigned program dates. However, the program coordinators will be happy to help find accommodations for those who want to stay before or after the program dates at the participant’s own expense.
AGBU requires that all participants stay in the given residence facilities for the duration of the program. There will be no exceptions.
