BY SHAHE YENIKOMSHIAN
Armenian day schools have long been the cornerstone of preserving Armenian identity, culture, and values. Recently, the Southern California Armenian community has demonstrated remarkable generosity, contributing over $20 million to expand these schools. While continuing this momentum is essential, the reality remains that only five percent of Armenian youth in California attend these schools. To truly serve the broader Armenian youth population, we must also prioritize the development of youth centers—essential spaces for engagement, enrichment, and connection.
Armenian schools provide an unparalleled environment for cultural preservation, academic excellence, and identity formation. For the fortunate five percent who attend, these schools are transformative. However, the vast majority—95 percent—lack access to such immersive experiences, underscoring the need for innovative community solutions that engage a broader spectrum of Armenian youth.
Youth centers offer a dynamic and inclusive response to this challenge. Unlike schools, which cater to specific age groups and require full-time enrollment, youth centers provide flexible access to all young Armenians, regardless of educational background. These centers serve as vibrant hubs for sports, arts, mentorship, and cultural workshops—creating welcoming spaces where Armenian youth can connect, learn, and grow.
By bridging gaps in traditional frameworks, youth centers foster belonging among diverse Armenian youth while promoting mental well-being, confidence, and leadership. As innovation hubs, they empower young Armenians to integrate tradition with modernity, ensuring Armenian culture remains vibrant and relevant in an evolving world.
For over a century, Homenetmen has been a transformative force in Armenian communities, making it the ideal organization to spearhead the expansion of youth centers. Evolving beyond its foundational scouting and athletic programs, Homenetmen has embraced a holistic approach to youth development, integrating mentorship, technology-driven workshops, and cultural enrichment.
Recognizing the changing needs of Armenian youth, Homenetmen provides inclusive spaces where young Armenians can develop leadership skills, build intergenerational connections, and engage in meaningful community service. Existing facilities worldwide, such as the Buenos Aires Homenetmen Center and the upcoming Homenetmen France European Sports and Cultural Center, exemplify how shared spaces can inspire cultural pride and innovation.
In the U.S., established youth centers like Glendale Ararat and San Fernando Valley Massis have set a strong foundation but require further expansion to meet growing community needs. Meanwhile, chapters in Burbank, La Crescenta, Pasadena and Fresno serve as vibrant community hubs but need transformation into fully-equipped gym centers to maximize their impact.
Despite these developments, significant gaps persist. Numerous Armenian-populated cities remain without dedicated youth facilities, particularly across Los Angeles County, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Orange County, San Diego, Las Vegas, and beyond. Furthermore, regions such as the East Coast, Canada, Europe, and Australia present immense opportunities for growth, underscoring the need for global investment in youth engagement initiatives.
As Armenian communities face challenges such as generational divides, language barriers, and assimilation pressures, the need for innovative solutions is clear. By investing in youth centers, Homenetmen addresses critical gaps in cultural and educational resources, ensuring no Armenian child is left behind. These centers are the future of Armenian community engagement, and large-scale donations must expand beyond schools to include their development.
Numerous Homenetmen chapters have already crafted detailed business plans for these centers. Now, the next step is securing the financial backing to bring these visions to life.
Armenian day schools remain vital to cultural preservation, but with 95 percent of Armenian youth attending non-Armenian schools, a complementary strategy is essential. Homenetmen’s inclusive programs provide a powerful blueprint for youth development. By expanding and establishing new youth centers, we can secure a stronger, more connected future for the next generation. Strategic investment in these centers is imperative, and this vision can only be realized through community participation and the generous contributions of major benefactors.
