Our Story

This dream began long ago on campus at the University of Georgia. It was founder Ryan Beckwith’s Masters project when he was earning his Master’s Degree in Sports Management. Athletics shaped him throughout his life and gave him opportunities that he would have not otherwise had, and he wanted to pay it forward. After many winding roads and years later, Ryan found himself in Bakersfield, married to his wife (a Bakersfield native), and in a position to pursue this dream.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Athletes’ Advantage Academy, Inc. was founded at the same time as establishing A3 Sports & Wellness, Inc. in 2013, and the nonprofit mission was always the driving force. The A3 Academy program for student-athletes is the flagship program, designed to provide equitable opportunities for athletes to receive the best training and mentorship available, regardless of family income. However, we quickly realized we had a unique opportunity to help athletes with special needs as well as veterans and first responders. We partnered with Special Olympics Kern County in 2014 and we have been a home base for hundreds of Special Olympics athletes since then, and are continuing to expand our A3 & Me program. The A3 Shield program began with one Veteran who walked through our doors in need of support and kept coming back, training himself physically but also developing and healing mentally and emotionally as well. At the same time, we offered to train our local military recruits and future soldiers at no cost to prepare them for their basic training.

We have been serving Champions of Kern County through our programs since 2014; in total, we have served over 650 individuals. However, none of our programs are funded. We have many unique opportunities for sponsorship available within our premier athletic training facility and we are seeking support from generous donors who can help us take our programs to the next level!

We have BIG GOALS - stay tuned!!!

Message from the Director

In 2019, I was appointed the Executive Director of Athletes' Advantage Academy and I am so honored to serve our many champions and lead this organization to the next level. Our vision for equitable access to better health, fitness, and personal development for all is attainable with your support. We believe strongly in the power of sports, inclusion, education, and health. Our local student-athletes and community members benefit greatly from our programs, but we have so much more to give!

Athletes' Advantage Academy currently serves over 260 champions between our three programs. Since its inception in 2014, we have served over 700 sponsored athletes. Your support and sponsorship will help us expand our programs and impact.

In the next year, our goals include:

• Serve 100 more champions with full scholarships;

• Establish the Academic Center;

• Develop and host ongoing educational workshops;

• Grow a Community Garden;

• Install an indoor multipurpose court, and;

• Expand our community partnerships with other organizations with similar missions.

Kalli Beckwith was appointed the Executive Director of Athletes’ Advantage Academy in January 2019. She is an educator, credentialed school psychologist, consultant, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a passion for healthy living, urban farming, and systems change. Her knowledge of applied behavior analysis, special education and serving individuals with disabilities, education, nutrition, and evidence-based practices allow her to .

Ryan beckwith

Ryan is the founder of Athletes’ Advantage Academy, Inc. as well as the owner of A3 Sports & Wellness, Inc. Both allow him to live out his passion for coaching, community, and education and give back to student-athletes, military service personnel/veterans, and individuals of all abilities, paying tribute to his greatest influencers.