The Armenian Student Association brought internship opportunities, volunteer programs, and community connections to Glendale Community College through a resource fair held in recognition of Armenian Heritage Month.

The event was organized by ASA President Alex Kalantaryan, a second-year biology major at GCC, in collaboration with Jemma Pogosyan, a representative of the Armenian Assembly of America, an organization that has worked to promote public understanding of Armenian issues since 1972.

“We’re just trying to host a space for students to connect and find ways to get involved outside of college,” Kalantaryan said. “We want students to make use of their time and build their resumes.”

Booths at the fair introduced students to internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities. Organizations included COPE Health Scholars, a volunteer program connected with Adventist Health Glendale, and the Hidden Road Initiative, an on-campus club that offers nonprofit volunteer opportunities.

Porto’s Bakery and Coffee Bean provided food and drinks throughout the event. Several local leaders attended, including Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, who also teaches political science at GCC, along with GCC Board of Trustee candidates
and individuals running for City Council positions.

“We’re very grateful that they showed up today,” Kalantaryan said. Although GCC’s Cultural Diversity Program helped promote the event, Kalantaryan explained that ASA independently funded and organized the program with no outside sponsors.

The resource fair was one of several ASA events held throughout April for Armenian Heritage Month. Other events included a candlelight vigil in collaboration with ASGCC and the Scholars Program, and “Sounds of Ararat,” a cultural concert celebrating Armenian heritage and identity.

The organization also used these events to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide.
“It’s a big tragedy that happened to our people,” Kalantaryan said. “We’re trying to bring awareness to it.”

Behind the scenes, nine student cabinet members helped make the event happen. “Each one of them has put in so much work,” Kalantaryan said. “I’m very grateful for every single one of them.”