Then, Now and What’s Next for Think Together Alumni

For 30 years, Think Together has changed the odds for countless students across the state who have walked through its doors. That journey has helped students find pathways to careers such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, architects and more. Think Together is proud to have led the way for so many students and continues to do so in partnership with school districts and community partners throughout the state.

Meet some of our alumni and learn how their time at Think Together continues to shape their communities. 

Carolina

For Carolina, Think Together has been more than an afterschool program; it has been the foundation for the career she loves. After joining the program as a student in Ontario-Montclair School District, Carolina was inspired by the relationships she fostered and the opportunities she received.

She knew she wanted to give future students the same experience.

At 18, Carolina began her Think Together career as a program leader. Now, 11 years later, she serves as a site program manager at El Rancho Unified School District in Pico Rivera, building meaningful connections along the way.

Her time as a student in the program also inspired her to pursue an associate degree in child development and develop leadership skills that continue to shape her work. Carolina plans to continue her studies to receive her bachelor’s degree.

“I have so much gratitude for being a part of this organization and for all the students and families I have had the opportunity to work with throughout the years.” shared Carolina.

Diego

Since his time in Think Together’s program in Hemet Unified School District, where he became involved in STEM initiatives and later received the Think Together Good to Great Scholarship, Diego has continued to turn his passion for STEM into a bright future.

This past summer, Diego graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at UCI, he served as project manager for the university’s first Mars rover competition team and as Brakes Co-Lead for UCI’s electric Formula SAE racing team. Diego also mentored local middle and high school students through UCI’s Engineering Student Council, sharing his experiences and encouraging the next generation to explore engineering.

This fall, Diego began a full-time role as an automation engineer at Bosch, where he is learning from engineers across the U.S. and Germany as he builds his career in the field.

“Think Together played a significant role in helping me get to where I am today through their immersive STEM programs, fostering a community of likeminded peers, and drive to help students accomplish their goals,” Diego said.

Juliana

Years after joining Think Together as a third grader in South Whittier School District, Juliana now creates the same sense of belonging and support for students as a staff member. She first joined Think Together during a challenging time at home, when her family was seeking additional academic support for her. There, she connected with mentors whose encouragement helped her recognize her potential.

That experience stayed with Juliana. She went on to graduate from California State University, San Bernardino with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, before returning to Think Together as a tutor and program leader. Today, she is approaching her fifth year as part of the team, now as a site program manager in Little Lake City School District (LLCSD) in Santa Fe Springs. Juliana and her team helped strengthen trust and program quality, contributing to LLCSD’s ultimate decision to select Think Together as its sole provider for before- and after-school programs.

“Think Together taught me the value of collaboration, relationship building, and perseverance,” said Juliana. “I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I carry the lessons learned from this experience into my work every day.”

Ciara

When Ciara immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana during her sophomore year of high school, she began navigating a new country, school and culture as a student in Rialto Unified School District. Through Think Together, she found the support and mentorship she needed to thrive and a community where she felt she belonged.

With Think Together’s Flight to the Future scholarship, Ciara visited New York University (NYU) during her junior year in 2025, an experience that showed her that students from backgrounds like hers belong in spaces she once thought were out of reach.

Now a recipient of a 2026 Beyond Think Together Scholarship, Ciara has received a $3,000 award to support her college expenses and prepare her for the next chapter of her journey. Inspired by her family and passion for helping others, she’s pursuing a career as a cardiac surgeon. She started her first semester at California State University, Fullerton and plans to transfer to NYU after a few years.

“Think Together gave me more than the support, it gave me a community where I could talk to anyone and build myself up,” Ciara shared.

Think Together would not be what it is today without the countless students, mentors, staff and partners who have shaped its story over the past three decades. From students who return to serve the next generation to others pursuing careers that make an impact in their communities, these stories reflect what’s possible when students have access to limitless opportunities.

If you’re a Think Together alumni or know someone who is, share your story by completing our Alumni Questionnaire, or pass it along to an alumni you know.

As we look back on the years of changing the odds for students, Think Together is also looking ahead to the bright futures still to come. Join us on October 22 at 3:30 p.m. for our Lights On Afterschool live YouTube broadcast as we celebrate the students, communities, and partnerships that continue to make afterschool a powerful part of the regular school day!