Project Isaiah is utilizing a Community Participatory Action Research approach to address school based trauma
We Are Project Isaiah
In 2024–2025, the Project Isaiah team traveled across the United States to document how school experiences can harm students while also visiting programs with safe learning environments to gather more promising practices. Now, Project Isaiah is eager to begin the next phase if we get funding; transforming our research into trainings, resources, deliverables, and more.
Current Updates:
Centering Lived Experiences of School Based Trauma: from Surviving to Thriving
Year One was "Research on the Road," with the team working to transform school-based trauma challenges into opportunities for leadership and growth through a Community Action Participatory Research Project.
The Challenge
Every child deserves the opportunity to show up at school, authentically themselves, to SAFELY receive a free and appropriate public education…including Black boys. Yet we continue to see Black boys overrepresented in discipline and in educational attainment gaps and underrepresented in positive educational outcomes. This reflects many systemic issues that remain in K-12 systems. Yet the resources to support students, families, and communities to address the trauma experienced in schools lacks; and for many, seems nearly non-existent.
Our Approach
Due to a lack of resources and supports in advocating for and addressing Isaiah's school-based trauma; noting this was a common experience for marginalized students, his family launched Project Isaiah, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Project Isaiah is embarking on a transformative journey, employing a community participatory action research approach to delve into the impact of school-based trauma on Black boys, while also considering intersecting identities including abilities. This initiative is dedicated to co-creating resources that aid in the healing process and foster safe learning spaces after a year of research on the road.
The team traveled across the country during the 2024–2025 academic year. During this time, they engaged with students, families, schools, and programs to merge quantitative data with personal experiences, ensuring a holistic view that encompassed various intersections while centering lived expertise.
The team also collaborated with specialists on school-based trauma—such as Occupational Therapists, Researchers, Therapists, Artists, Educators, and Psychologists—to identify and integrate healing-centered practices throughout the research process and into the deliverables planned for the second year.
They conducted site visits to schools and programs to see what was working, which allowed them to observe and understand the experiences that support successful educational outcomes.
Project Isaiah remained as grassroots as it gets, intentionally preserving autonomy throughout the research phase to keep the work organic and authentic. As they journeyed—literally driving around the United States—the team prioritized co-creating solutions with those most impacted by school trauma.
Year 1: Research on the Road
Did you know one way we save on travel expenses is by pet sitting? We use a website called Trusted Housesitters to connect with people who need someone to look after their home and pets while they’re away, in exchange for free lodging. Not only does this make our trips more affordable, but we’ve also had the pleasure of spending time with some wonderful animals along the way! If you are interested in looking into Pet Sitting for yourself, please use our referral link:
Change the future by creating a better one.
Due to less than projected funds raised via crowd sourcing, "Research on the Road" completed 75% of their travel plans but Phase 2 is on hold until more money is raised and/or grants are secured. We didn’t come this far to stop, together we can do this.
Get in Touch with Us
We welcome your inquiries and collaboration opportunities. Reach out!
