Arkas’ belief in youth is not a project—it’s a long journey.
May 19th symbolizes Ataturk’s trust in the younger generation. But this trust finds true meaning not just in words, but through long-term investments. For years, Arkas has been reinforcing this trust by building strong connections with young people in the fields of sports, art, and education. Not through grand declarations, but with steady, sustainable, and genuine steps.
Success Grown from Infrastructure
Founded in 2001, Arkas Sports Club is not just a team chasing success in volleyball. For Arkas, sports represent a school where discipline, resilience, and a sense of teamwork are instilled at an early age.
To date, more than 8,000 young people have joined the Arkas youth development system. Sports schools opened in different parts of Izmir—such as Ornekkoy, Mavisehir, and Guzelbahce—introduce children to sports culture at a young age. Volleyball and basketball are seen not only as tools for physical development but also as disciplines that play a role in building character.
The Arkas Sports Camp, held in Cesme during the summer, is another reflection of this vision. Sports, art, nature, and teamwork all come together. It’s not a summer vacation; it’s a character camp.
The Arkas Cesme Sailing Club also shares the same goals, working to help young people succeed in the field of sailing.
A Love for Art Begins with a Single Look at a Painting
Art lies at the heart of Arkas’ vision for youth—because art strengthens critical thinking, curiosity, aesthetic perspective, and emotional intelligence. The Arkas Art Center in Izmir, along with Arkas Art Urla, Arkas Art Bornova Mattheys Mansion, Arkas Art Alacati, and the Arkas Maritime History Center, are more than just exhibition spaces—they are open learning environments for young people.
Workshops tailored to different age groups, guided tours, and educational programs are all designed to ensure that a young person’s first encounter with art goes deeper than the surface. In these programs, young people don’t just observe—they participate, ask questions, and interpret. Instilling a museum-going culture from an early age and showing that art can be a part of everyday life is at the core of Arkas’ approach.
Educational Models that Prepare for the Future
Arkas’ approach to education goes beyond traditional support mechanisms. Here, education is not seen as an investment, but as a responsibility.
Arkas Narlidere Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School is the first and most impactful step in fulfilling this responsibility. Through the “My Future, Arkas” program, senior students have the opportunity to intern at Arkas for nine months before graduation—gaining not just theoretical knowledge, but hands-on industry experience.
For university students, the “Blue Route” program offers a broader scope. With orientation, mentorship, project experience, and presentations, participants graduate as individuals already prepared to adapt to the professional world.
Arkas Arcademia complements this vision through digital access to knowledge. With content spanning from personal development to financial literacy, young people are supported both personally and professionally.
Growing Together
For Arkas, youth-focused efforts are not a campaign or a sponsorship opportunity—they are a belief. It’s a journey that begins with faith in the potential of today’s children and youth, and continues by creating space for them to grow. Whether on the sports field, in an art gallery, or in a classroom, contributing to a child’s development is a living part of Arkas’ corporate culture.
The values symbolized by May 19th find concrete expression in Arkas’ approach to youth. Every step taken with a young person builds not just the present, but also the future.
Because every journey begins with believing in the power of youth.
