California to spend $11M in Armenian arts and educational projects

PanARMENIAN.Net - California Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian has announced $11 million in state funding for three Armenian arts and educational institutions:

-$9 million to establish a TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in the Southeast San Fernando Valley;

-$1 million allocation to the University of Southern California Institute of Armenian Studies;

-$1 million to the Lark Musical Society, a nonprofit that delivers high-quality classical music education, curating performances of music, song, and dance.

“I am very proud to bring California’s backing to the mission of these three organizations, which continually demonstrate their passion and success in educating and investing in our youth. Whether it be the arts, education, or technology, all three organizations have demonstrated a record of helping our students succeed, and they will greatly benefit and enhance the experience of our diverse youth population for decades to come,” said Nazarian, according to Massis Post.

The $9 million secured to establish a TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in the Southeast San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, would make it the first TUMO Center in the United States.

The TUMO Center for Creative Technologies is a free-of-charge educational program that puts teenagers in charge of their own learning. Founded by engineer and entrepreneur Sam and Sylva Simonian, TUMO’s mission is to allow teens to maximize their potential by discovering their passions and building the skills and self-confidence required to shape their future.

The University of Southern California Institute of Armenian Studies, in support of their broad commitment to studying and recording the history of California and Los Angeles through the experiences and memories of California’s large and diverse Armenian community, will also receive a $1 million allocation to support a project to serve both academic and public policy interests. The integrity and value of a large collection of first-person stories for researchers, educators, and policymakers, will be irreplaceable and this funding will allow the Institute to expand the breadth and reach of these programs, benefiting various stakeholders in the state.

Finally, $1 million in funding will be going to Lark Musical Society, a nonprofit that for over 25 years has served the community in three significant ways: delivering high-quality classical music education; curating performances of music, song, and dance featuring classical and Armenian themes; and creating new classical music compositions. Along with coming capital improvements and expanded programming, thousands of new students will learn and hone their love of music from Lark for years to come.