CareFirst and Under Armour Partner to Advance Youth Health and Well-Being Across Baltimore and Washington, DC

08.27.2026

Multi-year collaboration will support safe, high-quality athletic and recreational spaces and expand opportunities for youth through Project Rampart

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the region's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced earlier this week a new partnership with Under Armour through Project Rampart, a youth development initiative started by Under Armour dedicated to elevating the student-athlete experience and improving academic outcomes through sport, mentorship and academic support.

As two anchor institutions with deep roots in the region, CareFirst and Under Armour are coming together through a three-year grant to invest in the health and well-being of young people across Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The partnership will support six athletic and recreational space improvements over the life of the grant, helping expand access to safe, high-quality athletic and recreational spaces, youth programming and support systems that promote physical health, mental well-being, leadership development and academic success.

“Creating healthier communities means investing in the opportunities, places and programs that help young people thrive, Our relationship with Under Armour as a CareFirst national account customer, along with our shared dedication to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve, provides a strong foundation for this partnership. Together, we’re expanding access to safe, high-quality spaces and programs that promote health, strengthen communities and give young people the support they need to reach their full potential.”

Mack McGee

Chief marketing officer at CareFirst

"Project Rampart was built on the belief that sport can be a catalyst for opportunity, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills and a stronger future. As we continue to grow the initiative, CareFirst's partnership allows us to take an even more holistic approach, connecting student-athletes to the resources, environments and support systems that promote physical health, mental well-being and academic success. Together, we're investing in the whole person and creating pathways for young people to thrive both on and off the field."

Flynn Burch

Director of Global Community Impact and UA Next at Under Armour

CareFirst and Under Armour activated the partnership for the first time yesterday, with a volunteer project day at Reginald F. Lewis High School in Baltimore. From 9:30 a.m. to noon, volunteers worked alongside Project Rampart and school leaders to renovate the school’s athletic trainers' room by removing old furniture and shelving, painting the space, installing rubber flooring and building new storage.

Project Rampart takes a comprehensive approach to youth development, combining facility improvements with varsity athletic support, coach training, student-athlete leadership development, academic assistance and health-focused resources. Initially developed in Baltimore, the model has expanded to additional communities and continues to connect young people with the support systems they need to succeed both on and off the field.

The partnership aligns with CareFirst's commitment to advancing community health by investing in programs that address the factors influencing well-being beyond healthcare. Through collaborations with organizations that share its vision for healthier communities, CareFirst supports initiatives that expand opportunities, support neighborhoods and improve outcomes for future generations.

By combining the power of sport with access to resources and systems that promote whole-person health, CareFirst and Under Armour are helping create pathways for young people to thrive physically, mentally and academically while building stronger communities across the region.