Meaningful Work, Remarkable Results!
Think Together Caps the Back-to-School Season with Several New District Partnerships
As Think Together continues to grow its reach across California, its afterschool and enrichment programs now span from Southern California to the Central Coast, reaching throughout Northern California including communities across the Bay Area to Sacramento and beyond.
In partnership with Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, nearly 1,000 students across nine schools now have access to Think Together afterschool programs that provide safe, supportive environments and enrichment opportunities to boost academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and college and career readiness.
Think Together is also proud to partner with Visalia Unified School District, extending its reach for the first time in Central Valley, across 29 schools. Programs will focus on visual and performing arts, STEM, and specialty offerings like ukulele instruction, with an emphasis on student engagement, creativity, and whole-child development.
Think Together also welcomed students for the first time in Elk Grove Unified School District, Lodi Unified School District, Milpitas Unified School District, Norton Science and Language Academy, Oakland Unified School District, Pomona Unified School District, Rio Unified School District, Salinas Unified School District, Stockton Unified School District, Westminster Unified School District and Vacaville Unified School District.
Maria Reichel Chief of Growth Strategy Named 2025 Women in Business Award Nominee by Orange County Business Journal
As Think Together’s Chief of Growth Strategy, Maria Reichel’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s trajectory and ensuring its continued success. Her trailblazing work earned her a nomination for the 2025 Women in Business Awards, hosted by the Orange County Business Journal, which recognizes extraordinary professional women who have greatly impacted their organizations, their profession and the Orange County community.
Congratulations, Maria, on this well-deserved recognition!
Jesse Durkin Executive Director of Programs Named 2025 Leaders of Influence Nominee by Los Angeles Business Journal
In Think Together’s Santa Fe Springs region, Executive Director of Programs Jesse Durkin’s commitment to bettering the community earned him a nomination in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2025 Leaders of Influence awards. Since joining Think Together in 2022, his leadership has been instrumental in expanding program impact and ensuring students receive the academic and enrichment support they need to thrive.
Well done, Jesse!
Think Together Wins Big at the OCPRSA 2025 PROTOS Awards Gala
Think Together’s Marketing and Communications department secured four awards at the Orange County Public Relations Society of America (OCPRSA) 2025 PROTOS Awards Gala. The Marketing and Communications team is responsible for crafting and sharing Think Together’s impact through verbal and visual mediums, providing a clear and compelling story of the organization’s mission.
Director of Communications Elena Bosch received the Distinguished Service Award, the chapter’s highest honor, recognizing her contributions to both OCPRSA and the public relations profession. Think Together was also honored with two PROTOS awards and an award of excellence.
Cheers to this outstanding team!
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Melanie Barraza Shines in The Desert Sun News
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Melanie Barraza’s remarkable work in Think Together’s Palm Springs region has captured the attention of The Desert Sun. As the winner of the 2025 Randy Barth Leadership Award, her outstanding contributions have positively impacted thousands of students and their families, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Melanie’s achievements are a true testament to the passion and impact that every leader at Think Together brings to their work.
Think Together is Igniting a Brighter Tomorrow for Lights On Afterschool
We’re excited to once again join the nation’s largest celebration of afterschool and expanded learning with Lights On Afterschool through a virtual gathering of top lawmakers and local events throughout the state!
Join us on October 23rd at 3:30 p.m. on Think Together’s YouTube channel for our Lights On Afterschool event “Igniting a Brighter Tomorrow” live broadcast. We will be commemorating the powerful impact Think Together is making for students across the state to be the very best version of themselves.
As California’s leading nonprofit expanded learning provider, Think Together is committed to building pathways that create limitless opportunities for students.
