Sacramento State partners with Armstead Academic Project to empower local students

Yahoo

04-03-2025

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Sacramento State University has forged an exciting new partnership with the Armstead Academic Project (AAP), founded by NFL star Arik Armstead. The announcement came today at a special event on campus, where Armstead shared his personal connection to the university and his vision for the future.
A Personal Connection to Sacramento State
For Arik Armstead, Sacramento State is more than just an educational institution; it's a part of his personal history. Armstead reflected on how his parents met at Sacramento State back in 1985, which led to his own birth. 'This partnership, I feel like, is long overdue. I literally owe my life to Sacramento State,' he said. 'If it wasn't for Sacramento State, I would not be here.'
This special connection was a driving force behind Armstead's decision to launch the Armstead Academic Project, which advocates for education equity and aims to help under-resourced youth reach their full potential.
Supporting the Future of Local Youth
Through the partnership, the Armstead Academic Project will expand its efforts to empower young people in Sacramento and beyond. The goal is to ensure that students, especially those from underserved communities, see college as an attainable goal.
'This is a special university and we really want young people to see how special it is,' Armstead said. 'So they feel like they can achieve all of their goals here right here in Sacramento and they don't have to go anywhere else to do that.'
Strengthening Sacramento's Educational Pathways
The collaboration with Sacramento State allows AAP to offer more resources to students, including college tours, wellness events, and career camps. This partnership aims to establish Sacramento State as a central hub for academic programs designed to promote both educational and social-emotional wellness.
Dr. Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State, emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one in strengthening the community. 'We believe that partnerships like this help to strengthen our community and so that every single student that grows up in Sacramento or the surrounding areas knows that they have an opportunity at a high-quality institution dedicated to students and student success,' Wood said.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
This partnership marks a significant step forward for both Sacramento State and the Armstead Academic Project. With Armstead's recent recognition as the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, his platform and influence continue to grow, and his commitment to making a difference in the community is stronger than ever.
As this partnership continues to develop, both Armstead and Sacramento State are dedicated to ensuring that local youth have the resources, mentorship, and encouragement to pursue higher education and beyond. Together, they are opening doors to new opportunities, helping students envision a bright future at Sacramento State.
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