The Jared Monroe Foundation

Today, May 30th, we celebrate Jared's 29th Birthday by awarding 19 Academic Scholarships to students all across the country with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder who continue to chase there dreams despite there diagnosis.

Our first 2026 scholarship winner is Zoey who will be a Sophomore at the Fort Lewis College pursuing a degree in Human Services to become a therapist or counselor for those struggling with mental health.

"I am unbelievably grateful to have found this foundation and have the wonderful gift of your support. I am so happy to celebrate Jared’s birthday today in a way that not only gives to others, but also remembers the amazing story of Jared and his family. I have read his story in both your words and his own, which brings me to tears every time. I feel so many of the challenges and thoughts that Jared struggled with. He struggled to ask for help, find support, and persevere, something I can relate to in so many ways. His story inspires me to move forward and help others, just as he did. "

Thank you, Zoey, for sharing your story with us and for helping to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Your resilience, courage, and determination to pursue your dreams are truly inspiring.

I hope your journey gives others who are struggling the strength and confidence to know that a diagnosis does not define who they are or limit what they can achieve.

Tonight is the West Ranch Class of 2015 10 year reunion, and my heart can’t help but imagine Jared there—laughing, reconnecting, and wrapping his arms around the very people who meant so much to him. He loved this class. He loved the community you all created together. It never mattered to him what group you were in or where you fit in—he respected everyone the same. That was simply who he was. And as his mom, I can tell you that kindness was something he carried proudly and naturally, every single day. He will forever be missed.

Jared touched the hearts of so many of us in ways that still echo deeply. His spirit was bright, his belief in others unwavering. He had a way of lifting people up, making them feel seen and valued without ever needing to say much. As you gather tonight and celebrate ten years, I hope you feel his presence in the laughter, the memories, and the connections you share.

I hope he continues to inspire each of you to live boldly, to love deeply, and to make every day count. Chase the dreams you’ve held onto since high school. Live your life with the courage and hope he always believed in. Because he did believe in you—every single one of you. I saw how much he admired his classmates, how proud he was to be part of this class, and how much he carried that love with him.

I know he is shining down on all of you tonight—proud of who you’ve become and who you are still becoming.
May his memory remind you to hold each other close, to live with purpose, and to never take a single moment for granted. His foundation continues to give back by awarding scholarships—helping other young people chase their dreams just as he would have wanted.
❤️♾️

Our next 2025 scholarship winner is Sydney who will be attending Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design as she is particularly drawn to commercial interiors integrating thoughtful design that positively impacts mental health and well-being!

" I view my bipolar disorder not as an obstacle but as an intrinsic part of my identity that informs my work. It fuels my creativity, deepens my empathy, and drives
my determination to make a lasting impact."