A STUDENT'S ZIP CODE SHOULD NOT DEFINE THEIR OPPORTUNITY.
Who We Are
FROM SACRAMENTO ROOTS TO NATIONAL IMPACT
Founded in 2019 by Arik Armstead and Dr. Mindy Armstead, Armstead Academic Project began in Sacramento with a simple belief: a student’s zip code should never define their access to opportunity. Today, AAP serves students through immersive Career Camps, long-term Thrive School partnerships, literacy initiatives, and community-based programming in Sacramento, Jacksonville, and beyond, while building a national model for expanding access through education, exposure, and relationships.
OUR PROGRAMS
Exposure drives possibility
Every program is designed to connect students to real experiences, real environments, and real access.
Our Signature Program
Career Camps
Immersive experiences that connect students with companies, professional athletes, and career opportunities.
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Long-Term Investment
Thrive Schools
Five-year school partnerships designed to embed opportunity, wellness, literacy, and enrichment into school communities.
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Expanded Access
More Initiatives
Programs and experiences that build confidence, connection, and exposure for students beyond the classroom.
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Meet ARIK
Arik Armstead grew up in Elk Grove, California, where he struggled with reading as a kid. With the right support, he found his footing, and that experience stayed with him.
A first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, he built his career on showing up—on the field and in the community. Today, he continues that commitment with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In recognition of his impact, he was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2024.
In 2019, he and his wife, Dr. Melinda Armstead, founded AAP to help ensure every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
OUR PILLARS
HOW WE EXPAND ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY
Every AAP program is rooted in four core pillars that guide how we support students and expand access to opportunity. From Career Camps to Thrive Schools, these pillars are intentionally woven into every experience we create.
Connect
Expanding students’ social capital through connections and exposure to athletes, professionals, educators, and peers who broaden networks and future pathways.
Read
Strengthening literacy, confidence, communication, and academic foundations through consistent support and access to learning opportunities.
Explore
Creating exposure to new environments, careers, campuses, and experiences that help students discover pathways they may not have previously imagined.
Stay Well
Supporting students’ mental, emotional, and overall well-being so they can show up fully, build resilience, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
GET INVOLVED
There’s a place for you here.
Whether you’re a company looking to engage your team or an individual who believes every student deserves a fair shot, we’d love to find the right fit.
Our kids are our future
