Catholic teens launch SFIC scholarship drive in hopes of raising donations from their peers for their peers

Carrying on a family philanthropic tradition, high school students Olivia and Ryan Mount have initiated a fundraising campaign to support Catholic school scholarships through the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC).

The siblings, children of Ian and Maria Mount, launched the Student2Student fundraiser to encourage peer-to-peer contributions to the SFIC. The fund provides partial tuition assistance to economically disadvantaged children attending private and parochial schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties.

Inspired by their grandfather’s legacy

The idea for Student2Student was born during a family dinner when Olivia, a junior at Millburn High School, and Ryan, a freshman at Oratory Prep, discussed the need for more student-driven initiatives to raise funds for scholarships for underprivileged students.

Although Olivia attends public school, both siblings said they feel it’s important to raise funds to assist under-resourced students to go to any quality school, Catholic or otherwise.

Their father, Ian, said the family has always shared and passed down that philosophy. Their grandfather, Ronny Mount, served as the SFIC’s president and a board member for 19 years before passing away from Parkinson’s disease in 2015.

“We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to get the best education possible regardless of economic circumstances and their denomination,” Ian said. “Catholic schools in our area often provide strong academic and developmental pathways and have always welcomed the opportunity to work with the SFIC, our partner in the S2S Project, to assist and advance inner-city students, so we’re glad to have the help and support of both.”

Olivia said they realized that there was a need for a student-based organization within the scholarship fund to raise money. Together, she and Ryan came up with the idea of starting a fundraiser.

“Being a part of the SFIC is a great way to connect with other people and our family as well,” Olivia said. The siblings hope their involvement will strengthen their bond with their late grandfather’s legacy.

“I think he [their grandfather] would be very, very proud,” Ian said.

A foundation of strong faith

The family’s Catholic faith is a driving force behind the project.

Maria Mount, who attended Catholic school, said she believes in the value of Catholic education. “For students who may not have the resources, these scholarships can definitely make a difference,” she said.

Ian Mount said: “Faith always plays an important role. When you’re doing the right thing and being a good citizen and neighbor, it aligns with what we’re doing here.”

The Mount siblings hope to provide financial assistance and inspire the spiritual and moral growth of the students involved. “We think that everyone deserves the same educational opportunity. It is important to get a good education,” Ryan said.

Although their faith inspires the project, the family stressed that its core focus is delivering quality education based on economic need, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. This commitment aligns with the mission of the SFIC.

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Spreading the Student2Student mission

Since its launch, Student2Student has garnered interest from the community. Olivia has secured a faculty advisor at Millburn High School to help build connections with other students in the coming school year. The siblings also spoke during SFIC’s annual gala at West Orange’s Pleasantdale Chateau on May 8, introducing their project to approximately 300 attendees.

The Student2Student Ambassador Program is crucial to Olivia and Ryan’s fundraising initiative. This program will empower students at various schools to become community leaders by launching their Student2Student projects. Ambassadors will be responsible for organizing fundraising events, spreading awareness about the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC), and encouraging their peers to contribute. By establishing a network of student-led efforts, Ryan and Olivia hope to build a syndicate of passionate students working together to provide educational opportunities for those in need across multiple communities.

“We hope to get as much involvement as possible,” Olivia said. Ryan said he plans to establish a Student2Student program at Oratory Prep when he begins his freshman year.

An ambitious goal

Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, CEO of SFIC, called Ryan and Olivia “rock stars” for their efforts in persuading other students to help their peers achieve their educational goals and supporting economically disadvantaged children.

“Ryan and Olivia Mount are incredible students who created the Student2Student Fund to help SFIC students receive a value-based Catholic education so they can contribute to our greater society,” Hartman said.

Despite their early successes, the Mount siblings have faced challenges. “The entire project is a big challenge itself,” Olivia said, noting their ambitious goal of raising $222,222 by Feb. 1, 2025.

The siblings chose the number because it’s their family’s lucky number. Both Olivia and Ryan have worn the number 2 on their volleyball and soccer jerseys, respectively, following in the footsteps of their father, who also played soccer with the same number.

Olivia and Ryan are also planning various fundraising events and initiatives to reach their goal. They encourage other students to get involved by visiting www.student2studentproject.org or contacting them at livandryan@student2studentproject.org.