Thrive Schools Program

Thrive Schools Program

Status: Launching in 2026

Geographic Scope: California and Florida (Title I schools in low-income communities)

Funder: Armstead Academic Project (AAP), founded in 2019 by Arik and Melinda Armstead

Background

AAP has served more than 7,000 children and teens through literacy supports, career exposure, wellness programming, and opportunities to explore their full potential. The Thrive Schools Program represents AAP's next phase of impact, launching in 2026 as a five-year effort to transform learning environments in underserved communities.

Program Philosophy

The program applies "Blue Zones" thinking to education—intentionally designing school environments to support whole-child thriving through academic rigor paired with joy, belonging, wellness, stability, and possibility.

Focus Areas

AAP will target three Title I schools and work on four pillars of thriving:
• READ: Ensure every child reads at grade level by 3rd grade
• EXPLORE: Provide equitable access to STEAM learning and opportunities to explore emerging interests
• CONNECT: Expose students to college and career pathways that make learning relevant and aspirational
• STAY WELL: Support the full wellness of every child—emotional, mental, physical, and social

Investment Model

Each partnership is supported through AAP's blended investment model combining:
• Cash grants: $15,000–$20,000 annually aligned with four pillars of thriving
• Long-term flexible funding: $100,000 over five years per school
• In-kind donations from corporate and community partners
• 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

Additional Support Services

• AAP Storytimes: Classroom visits where volunteers, community partners, and athletes read aloud and gift books to students
• Thrive Reading Zones: Transforming school library spaces with donated books (culturally diverse titles) and rotating "Take–Keep–Exchange" shelves
• STEAM Kits: Take-home "projects in a box" that spark curiosity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
• Wellness Resources: Free onsite screenings (vision, dental, health) and health education tools for students and families
• Teacher Appreciation & Wellness Events: Curated experiences including massages, art-making, yoga, reflection, and wellness workshops

Eligibility

• Title I schools in low-income communities
• Schools located in California or Florida
• Schools serving majority Black, Latino, and/or Native students

Selection Process

Each Thrive School begins with an in-depth discovery process grounded in:
• The school's District-approved School Improvement Plan
• State-submitted Strategic Plan
• Identification of systemic barriers to holistic student success
• Collaboration with school leadership to develop annual action plan

Contact Information

Armstead Academic Project 3053 Freeport Boulevard #125 Sacramento, CA 95818 Website: armsteadproject.org