Company History

In business since 2001. Keep reading to see some of our major milestones from over the years.

arc was founded in 2001 when an educator and a businessman teamed up to address the opportunity gap in education by offering quality outdoor enrichment programs for underserved youth. We started small, with birthday parties and adventure retreats, but quickly expanded to after school and enrichment programs throughout California.

  • May 2001

    Good Sports Plus is launched.

  • April 2002

    We book our first major school adventure trip to Santa Barbara.

  • September 2002

    We start our first fee-based comprehensive after school and PE program.

  • February 2003

    The company changes the name from Good Sports Plus to Champions.

  • June 2003

    We plan our first series of adventure outings with LA Department of Recreation and Parks.

  • January 2004

    Started an Adventure Club with Westerly School of Long Beach.

  • April 2005

    We organize the first Teen Adventure Challenge at Hansen Dam with 7 teams.

  • October 2006

    Opened an office in Boston, MA.

  • March 2007

    Began ASES programming at our first 2 schools.

  • May 2007

    Headquarters moved from Culver City, CA to Inglewood, CA.

  • February 2008

    Started our first ASSETS high schools.

  • May 2008

    Launched the Take Action Campaign with LAUSD's Beyond the Bell.

  • March 2009

    Started high school programs in San Diego.

  • April 2009

    We are awarded Collaboration and Innovation Award by CalSAC.

  • August 2009

    Beyond the Bell nominates Holmes Middle School for the federal Doing What Works Award.

  • October 2009

    Began partnership with Green Dot Public Schools.

  • September 2010

    Launch after school programs in Oceanside, CA.

  • December 2011

    Formally rebrand the company from Champions to arc.

  • September 2012

    Organize the first SD Leads workshop series.

  • May 2014

    arc is awarded the Challenge Youth Advocacy Award by CalSAC.

  • June 2014

    Launched the Save After School campaign to keep a skeleton program at the Green Dot High Schools until we could secure ASSETS funding again.

  • August 2014

    Opened offices in Riverside, CA and Memphis, TN.

  • July 2015

    Headquarters moves from Inglewood, CA to Torrance, CA.

  • September 2015

    Began the Language in Action and Lifesaver programs with LAUSD.

  • July 2016

    Started programs in Chula Vista and San Ysidro. 

  • June 2017

    Opened a new office in San Diego.

  • August 2018

    Included in the INC5000 list of fastest growing companies.

  • September 2018

    Began the Tobacco Use and Prevention Cessation and Anti-Vaping Campaign with LAUSD.

  • July 2019

    Expanded programs with ICEF Public Schools.

  • November 2019

    Started programs at Valley Charter, Alliance Public Schools, and The Accelerated Schools

  • March 2020

    Programs transition to 100% distance learning online due to COVID-19 pandemic.

    Launched Digital Chalk as our internal Learning Management System.

  • August 2020

    Begin programs with Escondido Union School District.

  • August 2021

    Begin programs in Imperial County with Central Union, Brawley, and Calexico school districts.

  • August 2022

    Begin programs with Imperial Unified School District.

  • June 2023

    Arc is included in INC 5000's list of fastest growing companies.

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Awards

Challenge Youth Advocate

In May 2014, arc was a recipient of the Challenge Youth Advocate Award from the California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC) for utilizing the CalSAC Challenge to ensure that youth voice for expanding learning is heard in Sacramento.

U.S. Dept. of Education

The arc model for 21st CCLC older youth programming was selected for inclusion in a U.S. Department of Education 2010 best practices resource book.

CAN HS Innovation

arc was recognized for a California Afterschool Network (CAN) High School Innovation Award in Fall 2010 for our partnership with Beyond the Bell, Educare Foundation, and !MPACT People in implementing the Take Action Leadership Campaign.

Doing What Works

LAUSD’s Beyond the Bell nominated arc for the Federal Doing What Works in Out-of-School-Time website.

League of California

In Spring 2009, the League of California After School Partners highlighted arc‘s partnership with Beyond the Bell as a best practices team.

Media Recognition

L.A. Parent Magazine

In the September 2017 issue of L.A. Parent magazine, our Great Outdoors Adventure & Leadership Series (GOALS) program was highlighted as one of a handful growing tomorrow’s leaders.

NPR / KPCC

In May 2017, arc President and CEO Brad Lupien appeared on NPR/KPCC to advocate for more after school program funding. He was highlighted as a leader in the after school field, giving insight into why Sacramento’s support of after school programs is essential.

The Press-Enterprise

arc was recognized as the contracted provider for Riverside’s Alvord Unified School District in The Press-Enterprise in May 2017. The article raised awareness of the consequences of cutting funding for after school programs.

La Opinión

In a May 2017 article in La Opinion, arc was highlighted as an agency that provides necessary after school programs to low-income populations. The article covered the need to meet the increase in spending: the cost of living and minimum wage has increased, but funding for programs has remained flat for over 8 years.

KTLA 5

In March 2015, the Teen Adventure Challenge, our signature event, was featured on KTLA 5 Health Smart. The segment highlighted our work in bringing our students out of the classroom and into the outdoors to practice critical leadership and teamwork skills.

San Diego Channel 6 News

In Fall 2010, San Diego Channel 6 News ran a piece in response to arc being recognized for a California Afterschool Network (CAN) Innovation Award.

Making history together

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