Originally from Fairfield, California, Montae studied political science at the University of California Los Angeles, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 2011. He co-founded a program for current and former foster youth, served as the Chair of the Legislative Committee for California Youth Connection, and interned at the D.C. Superior Court. Montae is a Princeton Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow, Donald A. Strauss Scholar, UCLA Law Fellow, and a Community Development and Social Justice Scholar. He was the recipient of a public service prize and interned with Border Statements Collective, an organization that aims to revitalize the role of ethnic minority youth in their communities.
Field placement: Children’s Alliance
Seattle, Washington
Montae worked with the Food Policy Team to address challenges faced by organizations wishing to participate in the expansion of the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). He conducted interviews with new and potential CACFP sponsors regarding their expected challenges, and developed recommendations that will expand the number of organizations state-wide offering after school supper programs.
Policy placement: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C.
Montae worked with the Office of Child Care to examine ways to improve the collection of health and safety data in the Child Care and Development Fund Plans. He developed a series of reports that examined the use of background checks and self-certification policies among child care providers. Montae also completed a report examining how Lead Agencies collaborate with public health agencies, with recommendations for improvement.