About Us

The nEed

According to KidsData.org, just 39% of socio-economically disadvantaged students in California met or exceeded the grade-level standard in English language arts in 2019, compared to nearly 70% of their non-socioeconomically disadvantaged peers.

The educational inequities create additional stress for physical and mental wellness, especially when compounded with trauma in the home or in the community. As a result of these entrenched inequities, many young people lose their spark— their drive to dream big and succeed. They watch their better resourced peers achieve what they know they could too if only they had the support anyone needs to thrive.

The Solution

What began in 2015 as the Arik Armstead Football Camp evolved into the Armstead Academic Project in 2019, with an initial anchor partnership with Mercy Housing California, an affordable housing developer serving low-income families in the Greater Sacramento area. The Armstead Academic Project has committed $2M in direct funding for youth in Sacramento and the Bay Area to receive the academic and social-emotional support they need to succeed.

From providing pro-social support in afterschool programming and exposure to college and career paths to community resources and tools to support the educational environment, AAP has resourced over 4,500 underserved youth in tangible ways.

Our Programs

Read

Help youth achieve grade-level literacy standards & improve empathy
Explore

Expose youth to science-related possibilities & support educational goals
Connect

Foster economic mobility & build pathways to future success
Stay Well

Provide mental and physical wellness tools & establish positive lifestyle practices

View Programs In Action

Our People

ARIK’s Story

Arik Armstead is a professional football player for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Co-Founder of the Armstead Academic Project. A Sacramento native, Arik attended Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, where he excelled both academically and athletically in football and basketball. He went on to play college football at the University of Oregon, earning recognition as a standout defensive lineman before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

During his nine seasons with the 49ers, Arik became known for his versatility, leadership, and commitment to excellence—recording 35.5 sacks and over 300 tackles. Beyond the field, his impact has been equally powerful. During the 2024 football season, he was honored with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the league’s most prestigious recognition for community service, for his ongoing dedication to educational equity and youth empowerment.

Arik’s passion for education is deeply rooted in his own experiences. As the youngest of four children growing up in Elk Grove, he faced early challenges in school, including struggles with reading and attention. With strong support from his parents and teachers, he overcame these obstacles—an experience that shaped his lifelong belief in the power of opportunity, advocacy, and access to quality education for all students.

Motivated by that belief, Arik and his wife, Melinda Armstead, founded the Armstead Academic Project (AAP) in 2019. Through AAP, Arik continues his mission to level the playing field for underserved youth—helping every student reach their full potential both in and beyond the classroom.

Mindy’s Story

Growing up as the middle of five children in the rural town of Arkport, New York, Melinda Armstead (Mindy) was shaped by a strong sense of community and the encouragement of her teachers, who nurtured her belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. A Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) student and multi-sport athlete, Mindy learned early on the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence—values that continue to guide her work today.

With a mother who was both a teacher and one of the winningest female soccer coaches in New York State, and a father who modeled compassion and emotional openness, Mindy grew up in an environment that celebrated learning, empathy, and resilience. And inspired by her hometown pediatrician’s ability to help others through care and knowledge, she set her sights on a career in medicine from a young age.

After completing her undergraduate degree at just 20 years old, Mindy—following her mother’s advice to never take “no” for an answer—persisted through three application cycles before earning her place in medical school. She went on to complete dual master’s degrees in Systems Biology and Interdisciplinary Science, and received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Buffalo in 2017.

Her decision to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry was deeply influenced by her brother, who has special needs. Through her family’s advocacy and his access to early behavioral interventions, she witnessed firsthand the power of support, understanding, and opportunity. Today, as the owner and lead psychiatrist of Armstead Medical Group, Mindy is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and helping young people reach their fullest potential.

As the Co-Founder of the Armstead Academic Project, Mindy contributes her expertise and passion for youth wellness to help advance AAP’s mission of inspiring, educating, and empowering students. She believes that when young people are supported in mind, body, and spirit, they gain the confidence and tools to thrive—both in school and in life.

Meet The Staff

Aila Malik

STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Aila is an experienced leader who collaborates with venture-ready organizations to re-imagine their places within the education, correction, and community-based organization sectors. She has dedicated over 20 years to supporting and educating youth in many contexts including homeless shelters, mentally disabled homes, the juvenile justice system, foster care, and mainstream public schools.
Amber Wyatt

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Amber is a Sacramento native with over eight years of experience in the sports industry, having worked with the San Francisco 49ers and the Sacramento River Cats. Her expertise in event marketing, digital marketing, and brand management enables her to drive impactful campaigns and engage passionate audiences.

Meet the Board

Aaron Armstead

Aaron is a seasoned technology leader with over 10+ years of experience in operationalizing Go-To-Market strategies for over 30+ Fortune 500 companies such as Google, SAP, Intel, Slack, and Snowflake, among others. Born and raised in the Sacramento region with his brother Arik, Aaron is deeply committed to serving marginalized and underserved communities in Northern California.
LISA LUCHETA

Lisa Lucheta is the Chair of the Board of Torani, a third-generation family owner of the business founded by her grandparents in San Francisco in 1925. Lisa is a passionate advocate for educational equity and creating onramps to opportunity for marginalized communities. She is the Board Chair of the Afterschool Alliance, a national advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., a fifth generation San Franciscan, and a graduate of UC Berkeley.
Amobi Okugo

Amobi is a former professional soccer player, entrepreneur, media host, and philanthropist who has been recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient. Amobi Okugo was drafted in the first round of the 2010 MLS super draft from UCLA and has since played over 200 competitive games for teams including Philadelphia, Orlando, Kansas City, Portland, and Austin.
Joanne Pasternack

Joanne is a dynamic and visionary philanthropic impact strategist who, over the past two decades, has galvanized community engagement with internationally recognized brands including theGolden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, ServiceNow, City of Mountain View, and Special Olympics.
Peter Scherr

Peter is a graduate of Syracuse University having earned his BA in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture. After a number of years in the workers’ compensation, Peter returned to school, earning his Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School.
Matthew Gutermuth

Matthew is an Operating Executive who specializes in leading business turnarounds - 7 successful transformations led, across Retail, Consumer, Technology, and Distribution. Multi-functional leader; creating vision, shaping strategy, and inspiring people to deliver extraordinary results.