Under Armour Deepens Commitment to Oakland Student-Athletes with $100,000 Project Rampart Matching Opportunity

03.19.2026

Company pairs a matching commitment with on-the-ground presence at the Oakland Marathon to support local student-athletes

As the city prepares for this year’s Oakland Marathon, Under Armour is expanding its commitment to young athletes in the Bay Area through a new $100,000 matching opportunity benefiting the Oakland Athletic League (OAL). From now through December 31, 2026, Under Armour will match all donations made to OAL, helping accelerate the reach and impact of Project Rampart, the brand’s long-term youth sports initiative.

Project Rampart was founded in 2017 to reshape the athletics landscape for young people in Baltimore by eliminating barriers to participation and surrounding student-athletes with the resources they need to thrive. Since inception, students in the program have achieved a 97% graduation rate, maintained an average GPA above 3.0, and reached nearly 90% attendance. Building on this success, Under Armour has expanded Project Rampart to additional cities like Oakland, where the program is already showing significant momentum.

“Project Rampart was born in Baltimore, and the impact we’ve seen there continues to guide everything we do. As we’ve expanded the model to cities like Oakland, we’ve brought those same commitments with us. Long-term investment, community partnership, and a belief in the power of sport to shape a young person’s future. With the Oakland Marathon bringing the community together this weekend, it’s a powerful reminder of how sport can unite and uplift a city. After several years on the ground here, we’re fully engrained in Oakland’s schools and neighborhoods, and we’re seeing the same kind of momentum we’ve built in Baltimore.”

Flynn Burch

Director of Global Philanthropy at Under Armour

In Oakland, Under Armour began investing in middle and high school athletics in 2021, leading to a 300% increase in middle-school sports participation, a 94% graduation rate among student-athletes, and an average GPA above 3.1. The new matching opportunity will further fuel that trajectory by supporting student-athlete leadership development, academic resources, training for coaches and families, access to high-quality gear, and comprehensive wrap-around services designed to ensure that every young person who wants to play sports can do so.

“This matching opportunity represents a significant step forward for what’s possible for student-athletes across our league. Under Armour has long been an incredible partner to our schools, and this commitment allows us to reach even more young people with the resources, coaching, and support they deserve. Every dollar contributed to this effort directly impacts a student’s ability to participate, compete, and grow through sport. We’re grateful for Under Armour’s continued investment in Oakland and excited to see our community rally behind our athletes during Marathon weekend and beyond.”

Franky Navarro

Comissioner of Oakland Athletic League

To celebrate Marathon weekend and deepen Project Rampart’s connection to the city, Under Armour and OAL will be hosting a presence along the course, including a dedicated cheer section led by Project Rampart student-athletes and families. Members of the Project Rampart Student Athlete Leadership Council will participate in the event’s 5K, and half marathon outfitted in UA gear symbolizing the program’s commitment to showing up for Oakland in the heart of the city’s biggest moments.

The timing of the initiative alongside the Marathon creates a natural moment for the community to rally around its youth. From runners and supporters to local businesses and alumni, residents have the chance to directly impact the future of Oakland’s student-athletes. With continued investment from Under Armour and the community’s involvement, Project Rampart aims to build lasting conditions for young people in Oakland to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life.