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AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) Is 15: From A Visionary Concept to Reality in 20 Years 12/20/2024

The Armenian Virtual College (AVC), the pioneering online education platform of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) celebrates its 15th anniversary. On June 14, 2009, AVC launched its first-ever virtual classrooms, welcoming around 150 e-learners to a pilot academic term featuring three courses in the Armenian Language and History departments, offered in six languages of instruction.

 

Over the past 15 years, AGBU AVC has expanded its e-learning reach and course offerings, achieving numerous milestones in its mission to provide full-fledged Armenian education to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and locations, regardless of their level of knowledge.

 

Let’s take a look at AGBU AVC’s remarkable journey.

 

It all started in 2004 with the visionary concept of Dr. Yervant Zorian, an AGBU Central Board Member, who had long recognized the need for an educational program that could more effectively serve Armenians in the Diaspora and the homeland, as well as individuals worldwide interested in the Armenian language, history and culture.  

 

In just five years, the idea became a reality. Another 15 years later, the vision had grown into a global educational platform, developed with the latest advancements in virtual education, to support both online learning and social interaction—opportunities otherwise out of reach for those eager to pursue studies in Armenian Studies.

 

To this day, AGBU AVC has provided education to more than 43,000 e-learners from 135 countries. After 60 academic terms, thousands of e-learners enroll each year in one or more courses at AGBU AVC, choosing from eight languages of instruction and a range of knowledge levels.

 

The scope of the AGBU AVC programs has significantly expanded over time to include new courses and programs. With two decades of experience in innovative online learning, AVC has evolved into a hub not only for academic education but also for a diverse array of cultural initiatives and events, virtual communities and special programs.

 

What began with a single school in the AGBU AVC Hybrid program has now grown into 67 schools, universities and community groups that have enriched their curricula with AVC courses.

 

More than 38,000 users have benefited from the multimedia e-book series, which covers a variety of themes about Armenia, including history, geography, culture, tourism and more.

 

Get a recap of the past 15 years at AGBU AVC by watching this short video.

 

As it celebrates its anniversary, AGBU AVC extends its heartfelt gratitude to its partners, supporters, and the global family of online learners.


15 years of making Armenian education accessible—and fun!