A landmark $5 million gift from an anonymous philanthropist family unlocks a major step in TUMO’s nationwide expansion.
YEREVAN, Armenia, January 23, 2026 – TUMO announced today that TUMO Vanadzor is now fully funded, clearing the way for the opening of a new full-scale TUMO in Vanadzor, the capital of Armenia’s Lori Region, by 2028.
For years, teens and families across Lori have been asking when TUMO would come to Vanadzor. With full funding now secured, TUMO can move forward with plans to deliver the complete TUMO experience to the region, reaching 5,500 teens across Lori.
“This has been a long time coming for Lori,” said TUMO CEO Marie Lou Papazian. “We’re excited to bring TUMO’s innovative education model to Vanadzor and expand access to tech and design skills for 5,500 teens across the region. Students will get the full TUMO experience, from self-learning activities to hands-on workshops with visiting experts, and learning labs that turn curiosity into real skills. Vanadzor has long been one of Armenia’s cultural and industrial hubs, and this center builds on that legacy by investing in the region’s next generation.”
The funding came together through an extraordinary collective effort. A visionary philanthropic family stepped forward with a transformative $5 million donation, choosing to remain anonymous so the spotlight remains on Armenia’s youth and TUMO’s mission to serve them. Their leadership made this project possible, and we are deeply grateful for their trust in our mission.
TUMO also recognized the generosity of early champions whose contributions launched the effort and carried the project to full funding: Toros Mangassarian; Judith Saryan and Victor Zarougian; and Clara Margossian and the Margossian Family, alongside many other early supporters.
To further anchor the project in Vanadzor, the Government of Armenia has donated a beautiful historic building that will become the future home of TUMO Vanadzor. Long vacant, the site will be restored and reimagined as a vibrant learning hub for the Lori Region.
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