PIMCO Helps Build Brighter Futures for Think Together Students
From sketches on paper to soaring down ziplines! Twenty middle school students from Vista Heritage Charter experienced sky-high excitement as they worked with PIMCO volunteers to bring their ideas to life.
With support from Child Creativity Lab instructors, students stepped into the role of engineers as they engaged in a hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activity to create functioning zipline carrier prototypes capable of safe transportation. Instructors equipped students with a clear lesson plan, an overview of the STEAM principles behind the project, and with the materials needed to build the carrier.
Students then met the PIMCO volunteers, who were there to offer guidance and support throughout the activity. Together, the students and PIMCO volunteers worked to brainstorm, sketch and build their zipline carriers with recycled materials.
“Creativity is critical everywhere. By reaching out to students, our community, and volunteering for these types of events, we can help students develop academically and become critical thinkers,” said PIMCO Executive Vice President, Abhishek Kumar.
To test its functionality, each carrier was put to the test to see which one went down the fastest, traveling down a makeshift zipline outside the classroom. As their carriers zipped down, students began to cheer each other on and feel a sense of accomplishment as they witnessed the success of their hard work.
“My mentor really supported all of our decisions which helped me feel confident and believe in my design,” said Bella, a Think Together student.
PIMCO’s generosity doesn’t stop there. Beyond the classroom, thirty-five volunteers came together at their Newport office, collecting 400 books for Think Together students in Orange County. At the end of the event, the team also made a $1,000 donation.
For 12 years, PIMCO has partnered with Think Together to open doors of opportunity for students. Their ongoing support has contributed more than $270,000 in gifts, helping build a bridge to success for Think Together students across California.
