ABOUT US

The Isiah Montouth Project was established in 2016. We provide annual scholarships for Bay Area high school and community college students and follow their journey by offering support and mentorship as they continue through their college journey. Over the last three years, we have awarded 12 scholarships of $500 to students who are currently attending University of California (UC) schools, California State Universities (CSUs), private colleges, and Historical Black Colleges and Universities.

We hope to do more in the coming years. Our long-term goals are to provide educational, career, and mental health programs, to provide opportunities for participants to benefit beyond a single personal development goal, such as going to college, obtaining a job, or joining a support group. As an organization, we are poised to support individuals in the East Bay break down barriers towards personal success by providing holistic resources, support, and advocacy. 

background

On October 15, 2012, our son and brother, Isiah Jante Montouth, was tragically killed in Oakland, California. He was Oakland’s 100th murder victim that year. After taking the last few years to reflect on Isiah’s life, we decided to move forward with organizing a non-profit organization honoring his legacy and making a positive impact on the Bay Area community. 

Isiah was diagnosed with a series of mental health conditions, including Bipolar Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a result, he struggled in school and often self-medicated. These mental health struggles did not kill him on October 15, 2012 – someone else did that. However, the circumstances of his life put him on that street that night. We hope to prevent this outcome for others with similar circumstances.

The programs that our organization strives to offer touch all aspects of Isiah's life. We hope that with these initiatives we can help others, with similar challenges as Isiah, move beyond those barriers that prevent some from reaching their full potential.

Stefanie Montouth & Stefan Montouth
Co-Founders