Girls Belong in Science: FEMINNO Celebrates the Third Year of Its STEM Program

YEREVAN — The American University of Armenia recently hosted the 2026 final competition of the STEM Acceleration Award, an initiative organized by FEMINNO. Now in its third year, the program received more than 400 applications from girls across Armenia, with approximately 300 participants selected.

Throughout the program, girls in grades 7–12 worked in teams to explore challenges facing their communities and society, developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects in areas ranging from artificial intelligence and education to health, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. They were supported by 20 selected mentors who helped them develop their ideas into practical solutions. An essential component of the program is that all 20 teams must also present their projects at their schools, sharing their knowledge and experiences with their peers.

Following evaluations by a professional jury, five teams received the highest distinction, the “Best of the Best” award. “Climate Time Machine” explored the future of Armenia’s regions in 2050 in the context of climate change; NatureBite developed the concept of natural fruit chips; and NextStep proposed a digital solution to help young people make informed career choices. “Beyond the Mirror” focused on promoting healthy lifestyle habits, while Remard explored medicinal plants and developed an informational platform about their uses. The remaining teams received special recognition for their innovative, creative, bold, and impactful ideas.

One of the program’s most significant achievements is the continued growth of its participants. Girls who first joined in 2024 returned in 2025 as program ambassadors and mentor assistants. In 2026, they took on new roles with greater responsibility, sharing their experience with new participants and supporting the teams.

“When we launched this program three years ago, we wanted girls to discover science and believe in their own abilities. Today, we see those first participants becoming leaders and supporters of the next generation. It is important to us that their journey does not end with the awards ceremony. As the girls grow, we must create new opportunities for development, leadership, and responsibility. They are growing, and the program must grow with them,” says Seda Papoyan, Founder of FEMINNO and creator of the program.

Under the motto “Girls Belong in Science,” the program aims not only to spark interest in STEM fields but also to develop teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, recognizing the progress and experience of every participant.

The program is supported by the U.S.-based Henry Luce Foundation and Thrive Armenia Foundation. The American University of Armenia has also been a dedicated supporter, hosting the final awards ceremony for the third consecutive year and providing a platform for girls from across Armenia to showcase their ideas and achievements. The authorities of Gavar, Martuni, Noyemberyan, Ijevan, and Talin also supported the transportation of participating girls from their communities to Yerevan.

FEMINNO will continue to expand the initiative, engaging more girls while creating new leadership and mentorship opportunities for returning participants.