Robert Archie is the Executive Director of Advanced Student Connection, a college preparatory basketball academy based in Sacramento, California.

Robert Archie developed the ASC program with the assistance of Dr. Ralph Branch in order to meet the growing demand of youth who need academic support and athletic training. “If you can find a student’s strength and convince the student that he or she has the power to effect change –it opens up a new world of possibility. It is my belief that all students can succeed through motivation, dedication and the will to persevere,” believes Robert. Moreover, Robert is the perfect example of the which he believes.

Growing up in Woodland, California (a small agricultural community), Robert found that little emphasis was placed on academic excellence. Although not a poor student, it was his athletic ability that pushed him through high school. However, as is the case with many athletes, Robert placed the importance of sport over academics –considering it an obstacle “in the way” of his athletics dreams. His basketball skills earned him the 5th spot in the California for point leaders during high school. He transferred to San Diego State where he continued to play basketball while earning a degree in Criminal Justice. Robert was the first member of the basketball program to graduate with a degree in seven years and the only member of his family to attend and graduate from college. However, the importance of his accomplishments was not understood to Robert in comparison to his strides in basketball.

It wasn’t until his experiences playing basketball overseas, that he began to fully comprehend that magnitude of what “education” really means. Living overseas was a powerful experience for Robert; living in a country where it was common for young people to speak several languages, with extensive knowledge of their history. It taught Robert the importance of striving for personal growth and success. These are the core values with which ASC was founded: to teach the importance of seeking personal achievement and academic excellence.

Today Robert has more than 10 years of experience in the field of social work, including case load assignments, criminal justice cases, group homes, coaching and mentoring. Through his work with the ASC Basketball Academy and Clinics, Robert has provided outreach to over 500 youth in the Sacramento community, including basketball camps with professional basketball players, Mike Bibby and Francisco Garcia. Now in its third year, ASC continues to thrive as the region’s premiere college preparatory and athletic training program.