Armenian Progressive Youth (APY) was born out of a simple yet powerful idea in 2009 - to give a voice to the youth of Armenia. At a time when young people felt disconnected from decision-making and powerless in the face of social and political challenges, Grigor Yeritsyan, together with a small group of passionate young Armenians, co-founded the organization. The vision was clear: to empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of Armenia, with a progressive mindset that pushes for fairness, equality, and justice.

The word 'progressive' has always been at the heart of APY's mission. For us, being progressive means striving for continuous improvement in society, challenging the status quo, and advocating for positive change. From its early days, APY was driven by a commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future where young people had the tools, opportunities, and support to become active citizens and agents of social change. The organization's work has always focused on engaging youth in all aspects of life from politics and civic engagement to entrepreneurship and social activism.

Over the past decade, APY has made a lasting impact on countless young people by providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through its Youth Centers, grants to youth initiatives, training programs, capacity-building workshops, and international exchanges, APY has empowered youth to develop the skills needed to succeed and make a difference. Whether it’s by providing small grants for youth-led businesses, facilitating volunteer opportunities, establishing inclusive youth spaces or advocating for youth participation in policy-making, APY has always been at the forefront of youth empowerment in Armenia.

APY’s journey has not been without challenges. The organization has weathered tough times - from navigating Armenia’s complex political landscape to responding to the devastation caused by the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020. In those moments, APY’s resilience and deep-rooted commitment to the youth of Armenia shone through. When the war left thousands of families displaced and in dire need of help, APY’s rapid humanitarian response mobilized hundreds of volunteers who provided essential aid to those affected — especially women and children. In just a short time, APY supported over 50,000 displaced individuals, offering them food, clothing, shelter, and psychological support.

For over a decade, APY has remained dedicated to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for young people. Its journey has been marked by growth, resilience, and the belief that, with the right tools and support, youth can shape a better future for themselves and their communities.

What began as a small initiative has now grown into one of Armenia's leading youth organizations, empowering young people to take an active role in building their communities and influencing positive change.

Looking ahead to 2025-2030, with the approval of its new strategic plan, APY is committed to further strengthening youth participation in public life, fostering economic empowerment through innovative employment and entrepreneurship programs, and enhancing the youth ecosystem by supporting youth work and non-formal education. APY will continue to build youth resilience, ensuring that young people facing challenging life situations have the support they need to thrive and contribute to a brighter future for Armenia.