In a time of rapid technological change and rising uncertainty, one Los Angeles–based non-profit is boldly preparing Armenian youth—both in the diaspora and Armenia—to step into the future as builders, innovators, and leaders. That organization is 301 AD, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Alex Boghossian and Erica Der Mesropian.
In just over a year, 301 AD has carved out a clear mission: to unite the global Armenian diaspora through a Philanthropic Members Club, all while cultivating the next generation of Armenian entrepreneurs via Agentic AI Literacy and Soft-Skills Development—the next step in the evolution of building self-belief through structure.
A Movement Rooted in Purpose
Named after the year Armenia became the first Christian nation in 301 A.D., 301 AD reclaims that pivotal moment as a symbol of transformation through conviction—not dogma, but vision. Its founders are unapologetic about their belief that now is the time for a new RenAIssance™—where AI will not replace, but complement, those who master its capabilities, particularly in augmenting productivity and creativity. That is why they are building a purpose-driven ecosystem rooted in entrepreneurship, culture, and impact.
The organization describes itself as a “Philanthropic Soho House” and “TUMO for Entrepreneurs,” with a clear philosophy: Educational, not institutional. Entrepreneurial, not bureaucratic. Open-source, not gate-kept.
Educational Impact: Renaissance Readiness™ in Action
The heart of 301 AD’s work lies in its patent-pending curricula, which launched in Armenia in July 2025. Their inaugural Renaissance Readiness™ workshop brought together 12 high school students from five public schools implementing the Generation AI program—a nationwide initiative jointly carried out by the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) and Armenia’s Education Ministry.
In just one month, every participant:
- Understood the modern software development lifecycle
- Conceptualized a unique business idea
- Leveraged AI to design, develop, and deploy a live web application representing their idea
- Created an investor-grade presentation
- Conducted a live pitch and demo of their app in front of an audience of mentors and investors
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Anush Ayvazyan, General Education Programs Lead at FAST Foundation, noted: “I’m very happy to see this collaboration come to life. For students, the Generation AI program builds the foundations for innovation-driven careers, while the Agentic AI bootcamp gave them hands-on experience with practical and trending tools. Their engagement and creativity have exceeded all expectations, and I believe this collaboration will continue to grow and engage large numbers of students.”
But that was just the beginning.
Today, 301 AD is working with over 200 female students competing in the 2025 STEM Acceleration Awards, hosted in Armenia this November by FEMINNO—another NGO and strategic partner. 301 AD instructors have created an online workshop featuring video content on how to use a cutting-edge Agentic AI tool, while also funding premium accounts so teams can apply what they learn by building and deploying an app representing their STEM idea—which they will present live on stage.
Soft Skills as the Engine of Entrepreneurial Success
At the core of 301 AD’s educational philosophy is a simple idea: AI alone is not enough. While most tech bootcamps focus on hard skills, 301 AD blends AI fluency with soft skills training—what they call the “New Literacy Stack.”
Their workshops prioritize:
- Adaptability
- Critical Thinking
- Confidence
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Decision Making
- Delegation
These values are embedded into every learning experience, ensuring that students not only gain technical capability but also develop the emotional intelligence and leadership mindset to use those tools ethically and effectively.
A Diasporan Club Like No Other
Back in the United States, 301 AD has cultivated a thriving Philanthropic Members Club, uniting:
- Creatives
- Business owners
- Industry leaders
- Young professionals
Through intimate dinners, unique experiences, and private events, members connect around a shared investment in Armenia’s greatest power source—its intellectual capital.
From community gatherings in Los Angeles to new campus chapters like Glendale Community College, 301 AD is building a living network that transcends borders and generations.
How to Join the Mission
As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, 301 AD’s impact is funded directly by its members. Becoming a member means joining a mission-driven community—and making tax-deductible donations that fund every workshop, instructors’ salaries, and even an impact fund that provides grants to students so they can continue pursuing their entrepreneurial ideas as startup founders.
Supporters can visit www.301ad.org to:
- Become a Member or Sponsor
- Become a Strategic Partner
- Join the community to stay informed about future events
- Help scale the RenAIssance™ across Armenia and the diaspora
Why It Matters
In a world where young people are often treated as followers, 301 AD dares to train them as leaders. At a time when the diaspora is too often called upon only for donations, 301 AD is calling forth a community of leaders and creators.
And as Armenia navigates a defining moment in its national story, the opportunity to equip the next generation of ethical, tech-savvy entrepreneurs has never been more urgent—or more inspiring.
Final Word
301 AD isn’t just another non-profit. It’s a blueprint for how the Armenian diaspora can lead with intention, intelligence, and impact—not in theory, but in practice.
From the streets of LA to the classrooms of Yerevan, a new kind of movement is emerging—and it’s only just beginning.
