AVC alumnus Michael Cunningham, Director of the Global Scholars Diploma Program of the World Affairs Council of Austin, received the Armenian Genocide Education Award from the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region’s Education Committee for the “International Education and Genocide Awareness” program, initiated in partnership with the AGBU Armenian Virtual College.

In Fall 2021, three high schools associated with the Global Scholars Diploma Program adopted the AVC Armenian History course.  Students from Del Valle High School, Texas, and two international schools in Guatemala and Taiwan have been taking the course as a foundation for understanding the origins of the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity and their global impact.

“I think studying the history of other countries is important because it helps me understand our ancestors' relationships and behaviors. I was not familiar with the history or existence of Armenia before this course. I liked the audio readings for the lessons. If I had to chance to take another AVC course I would love to,” says Sarah S. Al-Swajedi. Sarah is one of the three students from Del Valle High school, who completed the AVC history course and received a diploma.

“AVC played an important role in my success,” wrote Mr. Cunningham. His goal is to take the program to the next level, bringing it to a greater number of schools worldwide.