Education Equity

Every student, no matter their socioeconomic status, deserves direct access to the resources they need to thrive.

ARMSTEAD ACADEMIC PROJECT

Dedicated to ensuring that every student, no matter their socioeconomic status, has direct access to the resources they need to thrive, the Armstead Academic Project (AAP) provides youth with positive spaces, tools, and academic support to unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Founded by Jacksonville Jaguar Arik Armstead and his wife Dr. Melinda Armstead in 2019, AAP supports students in Sacramento, the California Bay Area and Jacksonville, Florida. The fundamental premise of AAP is that a zip code should not define student opportunity.

AAP Names new executive director

The Armstead Academic Project is pleased to announce Christina K. Upchurch, a nonprofit leader with a strong commitment to youth development and education, as it's next executive director.

“I’ve spent the past decade working alongside nonprofit leaders and organizations focused on expanding opportunity for those in under-resourced communities,” Upchurch said. “Arik and Melinda Armstead have built a powerful vision for supporting students and their futures. I’m proud to join the AAP team to help scale its impact and carry that vision forward through academic support and meaningful opportunities that expand what young people see as possible for their futures.”

Quote from co-founder Arik Armstead

AAP’S THRIVE SCHOOLS

INTRODUCING

Beginning in 2026, AAP will launch a bold, five-year effort to transform learning environments by investing $20,000 per year in three schools located in underserved communities in California and Florida. In each school, AAP will partner closely with administrators and educators to co-create “educational Blue Zones”—learning environments intentionally designed to support whole-child thriving.

Each partnership is supported through AAP’s blended investment model, which combines cash grants, in-kind donations from corporate and community partners, and high-impact volunteer engagement. Together, these resources form a customized package of supports that:

Strengthen classroom instruction

Nurture social-emotional growth

Support teacher wellness and sustainability

Expand access to literacy, STEM, career exploration, and whole-child development

LEARN MORE ABOUT THRIVE SCHOOLS

DONATE TO THE PROGRAM TODAY

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