CareFirst and Under Armour Partner to Advance Youth Health and Well-Being Across Baltimore and Washington, DC
Multi-year collaboration will support safe, high-quality athletic and recreational spaces and expand opportunities for youth through Project Rampart
BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON — CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the region's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, today announced 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,” said Mack McGee, chief marketing officer at CareFirst. “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.”
"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," said Flynn Burch, Director of Global Community Impact and UA Next at Under Armour. "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."
CareFirst and Under Armour will activate the partnership for the first time on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a volunteer project day at Reginald F. Lewis High School in Baltimore. From 9:30 a.m. to noon, volunteers will work 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.
To learn more about CareFirst's commitment to the community, visit CareFirst.com/Transformation.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Nearing its 90th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2025, CareFirst infused over $356 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.
About Under Armour
Under Armour, Inc., based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a global performance brand committed to empowering athletes everywhere. Since 1996, the company has advanced how athletes train, compete, and recover through innovative apparel, footwear, and accessories. In partnership with elite athletes and game changers, Under Armour is shaping the future of sport and inspiring those who strive for more. Learn more at http://about.underarmour.com.