LOS ANGELES — The Rams had a clear goal when they decided to hold training camp at Loyola Marymount University — inspire the next generation.
By welcoming local community programs for a day of thrills, autograph signings, and hands-on football instruction led by their Youth Engagement Coaches and Development team, the Rams continue to show that service is at the heart of professional football.
As social injustice marks its territory not far from where the team takes the field at Sofi Stadium, the commitment and efforts of the organization has shown what is possible when equity and opportunity reclaims its rightful place.
The Rams are once again integrating community-focused programming into their training camp at Loyola Marymount University with a series of youth engagement and education initiatives.
For the eighth straight season, the Rams have partnered with RISE, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting social justice and improving race relations through sports, to run a season-long “RISE with the Rams” leadership and community-building program. The initiative brings together high school football players from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to foster dialogue, leadership and cultural competency.
This year, student-athletes and coaches from Cleveland Charter High School and Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy will take part in five sessions focused on unity and understanding. The third session will be held at Rams training camp, where students will engage in discussions around bias and using sports as a platform for change before watching the team practice.
In addition to the RISE program, the Rams are continuing their High School Coaches Shadow Program for a fourth year, designed to support local football coaches with insights into team operations and player development. For the first time, the program includes girls flag football coaches alongside boys tackle football coaches.
The initiative spans all eight open practices and select closed sessions, with five different high school coaches attending each day. A total of 40 coaches will gain access to Rams practices and the opportunity to learn directly from the team’s coaching staff.
The Rams also continue their longstanding partnership with the LA Promise Fund and The Alliance to offer summer internships to local high school students. This year, 12 students will work with the Rams during training camp, gaining hands-on experience in a professional sports setting. Since launching in 2018, the program has provided more than 50 students with work-based learning opportunities.
Through these programs, the Rams aim to use the power of football to foster inclusion, mentorship, and opportunity across Los Angeles.