What We Do

Bright Minds is a program for teaching Olympiad-level Math and Informatics classes to Armenian students, led by former Olympic performers of Armenian descent from around the globe. Our ultimate goal is to make internationally competitive problem-solving classes accessible to every Armenian student.

Founded in October 2021 by former Olympiad winners and their supporters, Bright Minds Scientific Educational Foundation aims to provide students in grades 7-10 with the opportunity to excel in academic Olympiads in Mathematics and Informatics, helping them realize their full potential.

Since September 2023, free remote Olympiad classes have been organized for 7th-8th grade students in Yerevan, Vanadzor, and the Noyemberyan region.

Why we do it

One of Armenia's greatest assets is its talented youth, yet this potential remains untapped without the right support and opportunities. We believe that every gifted student deserves a chance to shine, and it’s our mission to unlock that potential and guide them on the path to success.

The previous generation of Olympiad winners has already paved the way to success. Now, they are ready to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation and give the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What are the challenges and how to overcome them?

Research shows that approximately 3-5% of students across the globe are identified as gifted and talented, demonstrating exceptional abilities in areas like academics or the arts. In Armenia, this translates to around 19,000 students in grades 1-12. However, less than 10% of these students have access to the competitive training they need to excel. This means 17,000 gifted students each year are not receiving the support they need - students who could become the future leaders and innovators driving Armenia forward as a competitive, progressive nation.

By offering remote Olympiad classes led by former Olympiad winners we can unlock the potential of these bright minds and ensure that students, regardless of location, receive high-quality preparation to compete successfully in national and international Olympiads, later sparking progress across all sectors in just a few years.

What has been done so far

• Developed an advanced extracurricular program in Math and Informatics, designed for exceptional STEM students in grades 7-10, preparing them for success in academic Olympiads.
• Received official endorsement from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia (MoESCS) through a Ministerial Decree for these educational materials, enabling Bright Minds to implement its programs in schools across Armenia.
• Engaged three instructors, all former international Olympiad winners, to teach, mentor and guide students in their preparation for the academic Olympiads.
• In 2023, the program was launched in two secondary schools in Yerevan (Yerevan Basic Schools No. 35 and No. 89) and the Vanadzor Technology Center (VTC), involving 80 students from grades 7-8, with more than 30 students attending regularly. By 2024, the program expanded to the Noyemberyan region, where students from four schools (Koghb No. 1, Koghb No. 2, Archis, and Berdavan secondary schools) participated in Olympiad classes.

Since its launch, 136 students have been involved, with a regular participation rate of 60%. Currently, in the 2024-2025 academic year, around 50 students from grades 7-8 are attending these sessions regularly.

Voices of Bright Minds

Why we need your help

Significant planning, material and human resources are coordinated behind the scenes to ensure the success of a project of this scale. With YOUR help, the fundraised money will serve the following: 

• Expansion to new schools

In 2025, we aim to extend the program to five more schools. This will require comprehensive planning, project management, awareness campaigns to ensure the program's smooth implementation.

• Equipment acquisition

While many schools have talented students, only a few are equipped with the resources necessary for their success. Your contribution will help us purchase and provide the essential equipment, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic classes.

• Teacher remuneration

There are only a handful of teachers qualified to teach Olympiad-level classes. Expansion requires involvement of new teachers. We make sure they are fairly compensated for their hard work.

• Development of the educational materials 

This will enable us to expand beyond our current scope, create advanced materials, and elevate the depth and quality of education, unlocking greater opportunities for students.

Who are our partners?

FAQ

How does the Olympiad program differ from the regular school curriculum?

The Olympiad program focuses on solving non-standard problems that require creative thinking and innovative approaches. It emphasizes mastering problem-solving skills rather than just covering more material, preparing students for success in competitive environments and future academic and professional growth. This program complements the school curriculum by enhancing students' ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

Are the Olympic clubs free of charge?

Yes, the Olympic clubs are provided free of charge, there are no tuition fees. The foundation covers all the expenses.

Who teaches the students in the program?

The classes are led by Olympiad winners who have achieved significant success in international competitions. These instructors are former members of Armenia’s national teams and are currently based both in Armenia and abroad.

How can I contribute beyond a financial donation?

You can support us in several ways, including spreading the word, sharing program details with your audience, assisting with social media marketing efforts, and more. Please reach out to us at hellօ@brightminds.am for complete information. Thank you for considering supporting our project!

How is the program delivered to students?

The program is delivered through remote groups that gather students at a single physical location (School or Center), ensuring an optimal number of participants for more effective teaching.

How are students grouped for the classes?

The Olympic clubs operate according to age groups. Students are selected based on their performance in a knowledge assessment pretest. Students from other schools can also participate by attending the centers where the program is implemented.

Have questions? Contact us!

hellօ@brightminds.am, arm.bright.mind@gmail.com

Bright Minds

Here you can view the program’s budget

The time to act is NOW!

We all dream of a nation built on knowledge, talent, and innovation. With your support, our program can provide gifted students access to high-quality, FREE education, empowering them to become tomorrow's leaders. Give them the chance to participate in Olympiad-level programs and shape the future of our country.