About
The School for Economic Decisions (SED) is a pioneering initiative of the Center for Behavioral Decisions (CBD), dedicated to equipping Armenians with the decision-making skills essential for navigating the complexities of the modern economy. Our mission is to empower individuals with the practical tools needed to make strategic and rational choices in their everyday lives and long-term planning, ultimately enhancing their financial well-being.
SED goes beyond traditional economic education by focusing on the practical application of economic principles in real-world decision-making. Our programs delve into strategic decision-making, behavioral economics, and the understanding of cognitive biases that can influence economic choices. Through courses and workshops, we provide participants with the tools to analyze, frame, and model complex decisions.
Over the past five years, SED has led the way in promoting practical economic literacy, preparing and distributing accessible literature in Armenian, hosting engaging student competitions, and conducting hands-on workshops—all free of charge. We have conducted these activities in collaboration with our esteemed international partner, the Economic Fundamentals Initiative, whose support has been instrumental in enhancing the quality and reach of our programs.
Our cornerstone event, the Tatevatevatsi Economics Olympiad for high school students, is a rigorous three-phase competition that goes beyond testing knowledge. It serves as a dynamic platform for students to engage with real-world economic challenges, honing their ability to make informed and strategic decisions that will positively impact their future.
By emphasizing the practical aspects of economic decision-making, SED aims to help Armenians develop the skills needed to manage personal finances, make business decisions, and navigate complex economic landscapes with confidence and insight.
Tatevatsi Economics Olympiad
The Tatevatevatsi Economics Olympiad (TEO) is one of the cornerstone initiatives we utilize to enhance economic and financial literacy across Armenia. More than just a competition to identify talent, the Olympiad is designed to immerse students in the realms of Economics and Finance, cultivating a deep interest and understanding of these crucial fields.
Introduced in Armenia for the first time in 2023, the Econ Olympiad is a competition designed for high school students across the country. The Olympiad consists of three rounds: an initial online test at the school level, followed by a national round in Yerevan with both written and oral components, and culminating in an international round. This competition challenges students to engage deeply with economic concepts, fostering critical thinking skills and sparking a lasting interest in economics and finance.
The Olympiad is made possible through the support of both international and local partners. Our international collaborators include the Economic Fundamentals Initiative and the Economics Olympiad. Locally, we are proud to partner with key institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, the Central Bank of Armenia, and the American University of Armenia. These partnerships are crucial in ensuring that the Olympiad remains a leading force in economic education in Armenia.
Econ Olympiad Results: 2023 and 2024
Since its inception in Armenia, the Econ Olympiad has seen remarkable growth, reflecting the increasing interest and participation in economic education among Armenian students.
The following diagram illustrates the growth in participation and success over the past two years:
Grigor Tatevatsi (1346–1409) was a prominent Armenian philosopher, theologian, and educator, recognized as one of the most influential scholars of the medieval Armenian university at Tatev. He contributed extensively to various fields, including philosophy, theology, and economics, and was deeply engaged in teaching and interpreting the sciences of his time. Tatevatsi's work emphasized rational thinking and ethical decision-making, principles that are foundational to economic reasoning.
We name the Armenian phase of the Economics Olympiad after Grigor Tatevatsi to honor his legacy of promoting critical thinking, wisdom, and rational decision-making. His teachings continue to inspire the pursuit of knowledge and the development of skills necessary for making informed and impactful economic decisions.
The significant increase in the number of participating schools and students in 2024 highlights the growing impact of the Econ Olympiad, as more young Armenians engage with and excel in the field of economics. Through the Olympiad, we continue to build a foundation of economic literacy that will empower the next generation to make informed decisions and contribute positively to Armenia's economic future.
Workshops and Seminars
We offer a comprehensive workshops and seminars designed to elevate financial and economic literacy across various professional sectors. Targeted at diverse groups such as teachers, journalists, IT professionals, and more, these programs are crafted to deliver essential economic principles in a clear and accessible way. Our primary goal is to empower participants with the knowledge needed to make informed, strategic decisions in their everyday lives.
By providing a deeper understanding of economic concepts, we help our participants accurately interpret and respond to economic events, both in their personal and professional spheres. These workshops and seminars are not only an investment in individual growth but also contribute to building a more economically informed society, equipped to make sound decisions and respond effectively to the challenges of today’s dynamic economic landscape.
Our Partners and Supporters
We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed institutional partners—Economic Fundamentals Initiative, Central Bank of Armenia, American University of Armenia, and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia—for their unwavering support in making the Tatevatsi Economics Olympiad a remarkable success.
Reflecting on the achievements of 2024, a special thank you goes to Evocabank, our 2024 general supporter, and Easy Pay, the dedicated supporter of the national round. Your contributions throughout 2024 have been pivotal in advancing economic literacy among Armenia's youth.
As we look forward to 2025, we warmly invite new partners to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can empower the next generation with the essential knowledge and decision-making skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving economic landscape. Let’s collaborate to shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Armenia and make a lasting impact together!
