The STEP.ai “Artificial Intelligence” program, designed to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Armenian schools, was launched as a pilot in 2022.

Over the past two years, the STEP.ai program has introduced the fundamentals of AI and machine learning to 10th–12th-grade students from six Armenian schools. The program was developed for anyone interested in learning about AI, regardless of prior experience.

In recent interviews, some of the students shared their experiences with the program and offered their perspectives on the role and impact of AI. They also shared advice for other students considering studying in the field of AI.

•  What specifically interested you when you decided to join this program?

“I was curious about how AI can think, how people can generate images, create numerous programs, and how AI makes people's lives easier.”  -Elen Tadevosyan, Yerevan State University STEM High School

“I became interested in AI a while ago when I was attending the TUMO Center. I wanted to learn more and understand how it works and how AI can be used to solve problems in everyday life.” -Hovhannes Baghramyan, Yerevan State University STEM High School

“I decided to join the AI course because I need it for my future career. Studying wasn't very difficult for me, as I already knew C++. I enjoy the lessons, they are quite interesting.” -Aris Ghukasyan, Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex

“I was interested in IT and decided to take the course to learn about AI. That was one of my best decisions.”  -Lilit Aslanyan, Yerevan N112 High School

• What is the most interesting thing you have learned about AI so far?

For me, the most interesting thing is how AI can learn and self-improve without programming, based on experience.” -Hovhannes Baghramyan, Yerevan State University STEM High School

Everything I learn about AI is interesting. I was so fascinated by this field that it influenced my choice of a career.” -Lilit Aslanyan, Yerevan N112 High School

• If you could use AI to solve any major problem, what would it be?

I would use AI in education to provide personalized learning, tailored to the abilities of each student. That way, learning would become more efficient and attractive. I would also use it in manufacturing and industry to promote our country's development.” -Hovhannes Baghramyan, Yerevan State University STEM High School

I would use artificial intelligence in healthcare. AI can analyze large amounts of data very quickly. It would be able to help doctors to early diagnose diseases and prescribe accurate treatments.” -Diana Mirzoyan, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin's Eurnekian School

In times of war, I would prefer robots to fight instead of soldiers, so that human lives would not be destroyed, and people would not be killed.” -Elen Tadevosyan, Yerevan State University STEM High School

• In your opinion, what impact will AI have on people's lives in the near future, and how will it change our daily life?

AI can help to make our lives easier in many areas. For example - in the field of medicine. Or, it can help people make quick and accurate decisions.” - Nina Yazhyan, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin's Eurnekian School

I think AI will make up about 90 percent of people's daily lives: people will become dependent on it, and it’s already happening. For example, ChatGPT, many people rely on it. Will AI ever surpass humans? It seems possible to me, but people are trying not to allow it.” -Vazgen Ginosyan, Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex

In my opinion, we can have a prosperous and organized future if we use AI correctly. But if we go too far, we will start to regress, and the human mind will be replaced by AI, which could result in a disaster.” -Lilit Aslanyan, Yerevan N112 High School 

• What advice would you give to students who want to start learning AI?

Learn math, especially algebra. Also, learn a programming language, for example, Python.” -Mikayel Chibukhchyan, Yerevan N112 High School

Deepen the knowledge of math, develop logical thinking, be responsible and hardworking.” -Hovhannes Baghramyan, Yerevan State University STEM High School

To those students who wish to learn AI, I would definitely advise them to join the STEP. ai program. And if they like the field of AI, they should never give up and continue to move forward despite any difficulties because this can become a good tool for us to create something new and empower us against our adversaries.” -Lilit Aslanyan, Yerevan N112 High School

To conclude the interview with a lighthearted question, we asked the high schoolers to imagine the color of AI. Most of the students associated it with light blue, the color of innovation and technological development. “It’s the color of a peaceful sky, and it symbolizes boundless possibilities,” described Hovhannes Baghramyan from STEM High School. Mane Khachatryan from Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex added, “It’s also black, because there’s no black color in nature—and AI was also created by humans.”

The STEP.ai program is the result of a collaborative effort between the Synopsys Foundation, the AGBU Silicon Valley Chapter, the Union of Employers of Information and Communication Technologies (UEICT), the Educational Department of Synopsys Armenia, and the AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC).