Shahbazian Foundation founders, Professor Joseph Shahbazian and Dr. Bella MargarianEducation is paramount for societal progress and individual empowerment in today’s rapidly evolving world. Despite its importance, access to quality education remains a significant challenge for many, especially those living in underserved communities. In bridging this gap, the Shahbazian Nonprofit Foundation plays a crucial role in championing educational initiatives that uplift marginalized communities in Armenia, empower individuals, and foster long-term socio-educational development.
This remarkable family foundation was established by Prof. Joseph Shahbazian and Dr. Bella Margarian in 2014. The Foundation supports direct charitable activities in forgotten villages of Armenia and targets underprivileged groups and individuals to address systemic inequalities in access to quality education. Professor Joseph Shahbazian is a physicist, medical engineer, author, inventor, and philanthropist, while Dr. Bella Margarian is a higher education administrator, author, inventor, and philanthropist. After the passing of their beloved brother, Janson Shahbazian, in 2014, they started this charitable Foundation in his memory.
Since then, the Shahbazian Foundation has supported hundreds of students in remote villages of Armenia with computers, scholarships, and stationery. The founders supported students of the high schools in villages in the Gegharkoonik region of Armenia since the early 1990s while they were university students. Now, those school students have become teachers and staff of the same schools.
2022 to 2023 Shahbazian Foundation Scholarship recipients during an excursion in YerevanThe Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of education and expand educational opportunities within Armenia and the Armenian community by creating and improving academic, financial, and other resources for such purposes. They are committed to unlocking the potential of young Armenians, expanding access to resources and services, and investing in the well-being of young Armenians.
The Shahbazian Foundation focuses on STEM programs by facilitating student development, encouraging excellence through creative learning, and promoting community/school partnerships. The foundation board members are directly involved in the community through innovative projects that advance public well-being, spark new ideas, and spread knowledge and respect. They are committed to responsiveness, accessibility, fairness, and involvement. One of the key strengths of this nonprofit organization is the ability to innovate and adapt to the diverse needs of society. From implementing technology-driven learning platforms to promoting experiential learning opportunities, the organization pioneers new approaches to education that engage students and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.
The organization supports educators in honing their skills and creating nurturing learning environments. Investing in teachers contributes to the overall enhancement of educational quality and effectiveness. Through advocacy efforts, they seek to address systemic barriers and create a more conducive learning and educational growth environment. They plan to involve the community and partner with stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and businesses. They intend to create a collaborative ecosystem where everyone has a stake in the educational success of future Armenian generations.
Looking ahead, the Shahbazian Foundation is committed to continuing its efforts towards educational reforms and rejuvenation. As the Foundation approaches its tenth anniversary in 2024, they have committed a one million dollar budget for the next five years to reform and rejuvenate the science curriculum in high schools of the Gegharkoonik region in Armenia. The Shahbazian Foundation is tax exempt 501 (c) 3 organization.
Shahbazian Foundation can be followed, reached, supported, collaborated with, learned from, engaged with, advocated for and celebrated. By embracing these avenues of interaction and partnership, stakeholders can collectively work towards building a more successful community.
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