This year, Think Together joins communities across the nation in celebrating the theme “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” for Hispanic Heritage Month, which is selected every year by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM). For 57 years, the U.S. has come together to celebrate the diverse Hispanic American culture, history, and contributions that is rooted in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The national observation of Hispanic Heritage Month first began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was later extended into a month-long observation from September 15 to October 15 by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. September was chosen as the start of the celebratory month because it aligns with several Hispanic countries’ Independence Day, like Mexico and Chile.
Why is it important to introduce students to different cultures and ideas?
By fostering awareness of heritage and cultures, students learn to be more empathetic when differences arise. As students grow older, they meet all kinds of people from different cultures and backgrounds. At Think Together, our goal is to integrate social-emotional learning and cultural awareness curriculum into its programs. This, in turn, better supports students in excelling and embracing those different from themselves.
What lessons are available to Think Together students to learn about Hispanic heritage?
One yearly activity that Think Together students across the state enjoy participating in is learning about the significance and history of Día de los Muertos. Students not only expand their minds with knowledge but also flex their creative skills in piecing together mini ofrendas (i.e. altars) to pay homage to an important individual in their life who has passed.
This September, Think Together students from South Whittier not only had the opportunity to learn about Día de los Muertos, but also to create beautiful artwork that will be displayed at the 20th annual Los Muertos Festival in Uptown Whittier during October.
Teach Rock is also a great source for K-12th grade Think Together students to use when exploring the many aspects of Hispanic heritage and how it has impacted their daily lives through music, community and culture.
In celebration, Think Together gathered a few historic facts that highlight the contributions and stories of the Hispanic community. Significant moments such as these remind us how rich and impactful Hispanic heritage is and how it continues to inspire and influence the world around us.
Keep the learning going and explore the resources below to dive deeper into interesting facts, significant milestones, and powerful impact from the Hispanic community.
The first day of school is usually a combination of nerves about meeting your new teacher, exploring a new campus and hoping you can find your friends at lunch. But for students at Jersey Elementary in the Santa Fe Springs region, they get that extra reassurance when they see Valerie Cardenas, Student Supervision Associate (SSA), smiling and waiting to guide them into their classes for the day. After six years at Think Together, she knows how to balance school partnerships and the well-being of students to make every school day a great one. Read on to find out which character resonates the most with her and more interesting information!
Why did you choose to work at Think Together? What keeps you going?
I chose to work here because I loved volunteering at my kids’ school and thought it would be a great experience to work with children. What keeps me going is the relationships I built with the students, parents and staff. I enjoy coming to work, knowing that I make a difference in their day and a lot of the kids feel safe and comfortable with me.
If you ever won a free trip to any destination in the world, where would you go and who would you bring?
I would go to Miami, Florida with my two grandbabies and take them to Disney World. Disneyland is their favorite place, and I would love to create more memories with them!
What accomplishments have you or your team done this year that has filled you with the most pride?
In the past year, my team and I have worked together to adjust to new changes at our school site. Making sure our partnership with them is strong is a huge priority to making our program run well. We heavily focus on communicating well with each other and making sure we can help in any way we can. I am especially proud of our ability to adapt because not everyone likes changes or can handle switching things up. But I think we handle it well, especially when we remember it’s all for the students.
If you could be a character in any television show or movie, which one would it be?
I would choose Wonder Woman because I am always helping people out. I love to help others in a time of need, and my grandmother always says I am like Wonder Woman. I never say no, and I never stop going!
If someone had never heard of your role, Student Supervision Associate, how would you explain it to them?
My role as an SSA is to support the flow of the school day by welcoming students in the morning, supervising breakfast/lunch, late arrivals and playground activities. I also collaborate with school staff like teachers, custodians and cafeteria workers to transition and support students. On occasion, I can be found helping in classrooms to support teachers with engagement and redirecting behaviors. At the end of the day, I supervise dismissal gates and release of children. I make sure to align with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) protocols on campus to redirect behaviors and help to create an overall positive environment for students.
Do you have a moment during your career at Think Together that has really made an impact on you?
I receive thank-you letters and gifts from students and parents thanking me for making the mornings pleasant and for being kind to their little ones. Making sure parents and SSAs can rely on each other is key to making the transition to school a smooth one. This is why I am always there when parents ask me to walk their students in when they are having a hard time. My job is to make students feel safe and comfortable and it makes me feel good to know I am someone the students and parents can lean on.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
I like finding fun activities to do with my children and grandchild like amusement parks, new food spots or having barbecues with them. I love to watch my older boys play in their men’s Sunday baseball league especially since I can bring my new baby, my Frenchie, to play at the park.
With Gillmore’s appointment, Think Together strengthens its executive team to meet California’s historic investment in expanded learning and expand opportunities for students statewide.
Santa Ana, Calif. (September 2, 2025) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and school improvement services, is proud to announce the appointment of Jen Gillmore as chief revenue officer, joining the organization’s executive team and reporting directly to Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth.
Gillmore succeeds interim Chief Revenue Officer John Turner (JT), who was instrumental in launching Think Together’s new district partnerships team and securing 15 new school district and charter management organization contracts for the current academic year. With Gillmore’s leadership, Think Together will continue to advance its ambitious Think Next campaign goal of growing the organization 15 to 20 percent annually over the next five years.
“Jen is a proven leader with a track record of scaling organizations and building strong partnerships,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “Her expertise and passion for education come at a pivotal moment for Think Together as we pursue bold growth and student impact goals. With Jen on our executive team, we’re not only strengthening our ability to serve more students across California but also advancing our vision of changing the odds for kids statewide.”
Gillmore brings extensive experience in sales and management from global companies including Google, Chronicle, Symantec and Verisign. She has driven national and international sales growth, built high-performing teams, and led major contract negotiations, translating complex business needs into clear, actionable strategies. At Think Together, she will lead strategic growth and partnership initiatives, positioning the organization to maximize the impact of California’s significant investment in expanded learning.
As Think Together welcomes Gillmore, the organization also reintroduces its directors of district partnerships, who are committed to building strong relationships with school districts across California:
Greg Eibell oversees district partnerships across Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Solano, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, program innovation, and partnership development, he has built a career focused on expanding opportunities for students and fostering equitable access to high-quality learning.
Johanna Lizarraga leads district partnerships in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties, with nearly two decades of experience advancing Think Together’s mission in program and operations roles.
A UCLA graduate with an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, she has worked at every level of expanded learning and brings a deep commitment to closing the opportunity gap for students and families.
Paul Solano directs district partnerships in Los Angeles County.
A longtime community leader and advocate for education, he served 21 years as a local school board member and continues to champion access to quality education as Executive Director and Co-CEO of the California Latino School Boards Association.
Christina St. Clair supports district partnerships in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.
Based in Think Together’s San Jose offices, she brings extensive experience in business development and K-12 education, helping school districts design and expand programs that meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Katy Wallace manages district partnerships across Tulare, San Joaquin, Fresno, Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kings, Merced, Madera, and Stanislaus counties.
A former special education teacher, principal, and district administrator, she leverages her background to support K-12 partners in implementing high-quality expanded learning programs.
Think Together is advancing a growth strategy aligned with the state’s sixfold investment in expanded learning programs, with the goal of doubling its footprint and expanding the reach of its services statewide by 2029. The organization currently serves nearly 250,000 students annually through afterschool programs, school improvement initiatives, and education staffing services, and continues to grow as new partnerships are established.
For more information about Think Together and its expanded learning programs, visit thinktogether.org.
About Think Together
For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.
At Think Together, interns don’t just learn, they contribute to projects that make a meaningful difference. This summer, Graphic Design Intern Danica Mendiola brought her creativity and dedication to the graphic design team, collaborating on projects that shaped the look and feel of Think Together’s brand identity.
From illustrating characters to designing a mural for Think Together’s Home Office, Danica’s summer was filled with opportunities to sharpen her skills, work with a supportive team, and experience what it’s like to be part of a mission-driven organization.
In this Q&A, Danica shares her day-to-day responsibilities, what she learned, and her advice for future interns.
Q: What were some of your daily responsibilities during your internship? Danica: I reported to the Senior Graphic Designer and the Art Director, creating graphics, character illustrations, and layouts for other departments.
Q: What’s the most valuable thing you learned during your internship? I learned what a good team looks like and how it functions. I also got to see what corporate life is like and how to work in a team setting, which was new for me.
Q: Of all your projects, which one was the most memorable? Definitely painting the mural for Think Together’s Home Office. Julia, the other graphic design intern, and I were able to design it and take the reins. The team completely trusted us with the project. It was refreshing to work on something so different from our usual laptop-based work.
Q: How has this internship helped prepare you for your career? I’ve become more familiar and comfortable with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Plus, this internship helped me build a portfolio I can use for future opportunities.
Q: What advice would you give to a future graphic design intern at Think Together? Don’t be nervous, everyone on the team is rooting for you and don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they might be “dumb.” I’ve asked plenty, and it’s all part of learning!
Q: If you could describe your internship experience in one word, what would it be? Fulfilling. Working at Think Together made me feel so happy, the outcome of every assignment I completed felt rewarding because I knew it contributed to the company’s mission to change the odds for kids.
Danica’s summer internship reflects what makes Think Together’s internship program unique. Young professionals are given the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with colleagues, and gain skills that will serve them in their career, all while changing the odds for kids and families across California.
Interested in learning more about our internship program?
Check out what past interns have said about their internships here. If you’re ready to launch your career in the nonprofit space, head over to Think Together’s career page to learn more about open roles.
At Think Together, interns play an active role in sharing the stories that inspire the communities we serve through blogs, social media posts, press releases, emails, and much more.
This summer, Communications Intern Ajay Benmoin took on that storyteller role and worked alongside Think Together’s communications team to give a voice to the students, parents, school partners, and staff who work hard every day to create endless possibilities for California youth.
From writing a press release announcing new leaders to producing a social media video that reached over 15,000 views, Ajay gained valuable experience in content creation, brand storytelling, and cross-team collaboration.
In this Q&A, Ajay shares insights from her internship experience, her most memorable project, and advice for future interns.
Q: What were some of your daily responsibilities during your internship? I reported to the Director of Communications and worked on a variety of projects, including blog content, social media copy, and internal and external newsletter emails. I wrote a press release that was distributed, curated media lists, pitched reporters, and tracked news hits.
Q: What’s the most valuable thing you learned during your internship? I learned what it’s like to work with a well-rounded team and how collaboration happens both remotely and in person within a large organization that has so many moving parts. I also learned how to tailor my voice for a specific brand tone, which is different from writing personal copy for myself.
Q: Of all your projects, which one was the most memorable? A site visit to one of our Colton district sites for a summer reptile show with Wild Man Dan. I attended the event, captured content, wrote a blog post about it, and created a social media reel to recap the day. To my surprise, the reel received over 15,000 views, a milestone I had never achieved before. That was a proud moment for me.
Q: How has this internship helped prepare you for your career? I’ve become much more familiar with adapting to a brand voice and understanding the many moving parts of a communications team. It’s not just social media or media outreach; there’s a wide range of projects happening simultaneously. I also gained hands-on experience with platforms like WordPress and Pardot, which I hadn’t worked with before. Learning these tools was exciting and will be valuable in my career.
Q: What advice would you give to a future communications intern at Think Together? Don’t doubt yourself. I came into this internship unsure of how much value I could bring to the team, but I quickly realized my contributions were valued. I was fully integrated into the team and treated like a communications specialist, not just “the intern.” This experience helped me build confidence, and I’d encourage future interns to use it as an opportunity to do the same. You were chosen for a reason.
Q: If you could describe your internship experience in one word, what would it be? Enlightening. This experience opened my eyes to the fact that I belong in the communications world, that my work has value, and that I have what it takes to succeed in my future career.
From exploring new software to building confidence in her professional voice, Ajay’s internship experience highlights the kind of hands-on learning and mentorship that make Think Together’s internships stand out. We are proud to see interns like Ajay leave with not only a stronger skill set but also a clearer vision for their future.
Interested in learning more about our internship program? Learn more about what past interns have said about their internships here. If you’re ready to launch your career in the non–profit space head over to Think’s career page to learn more about open roles.
At Think Together, interns gain hands-on experience while making an impact. Julia joined the team as a Graphic Design Intern, bringing fresh creativity and a strong sense of teamwork. Throughout her internship, she worked on projects ranging from postcard graphics to fifty-page catalogs, each design made to amplify Think Together’s brand and vision.
Julia’s time as an intern gave her the chance to sharpen her technical skills, experiment with new design tools, and see firsthand how thoughtful visuals can support an organization’s goals.
In this Q&A, Julia shares the projects she’s most proud of, her daily tasks, and the advice she would give future interns.
Q: What were some of your daily responsibilities during your internship?
I reported to the Senior Graphic Designer, and every day I got the opportunity to create a variety of projects assigned to me by the team. I worked on projects from digital icons, 50-page catalogs, flyers, and even postcards. I always had something to work on and got feedback and ideas on projects.
Q: What’s the most valuable thing you learned during your internship?
It was valuable to work on such a dedicated team of designers. It was refreshing to see that people who are extremely talented and passionate about their work maintain such a healthy work environment.
Q: Of all your projects, which one was the most memorable?
I got to design and paint a new mural in Think Together’s Home Office with the other design intern, Danica! This was such a fun challenge, and it pushed us to use our creative skills that aren’t often used in the world of graphic design. I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out.
Q: How has this internship helped prepare you for your career?
This internship has shown me the dynamics of an actual design team. It has taught me so much about collaborating with the team and working with a specific brand identity. It has given me so much more confidence in my future as a designer.
Q: What advice would you give to a future intern at Think Together?
Be prepared to work hard and be creative every single day! You’re joining a team that will make you feel comfortable and provide you with so much support, you just have to show up and do your best!
Q: If you could describe your internship experience in one word, what would it be?
Supportive. The team I worked alongside provided guidance and support on every project.
Julia’s time at Think Together not only strengthened her design skills but also reinforced the value of a positive and collaborative work environment. Think Together is proud to uplift young professionals by providing a space that helps them build confidence and refine their talents, and work towards their career goals. Julia will take the lessons she received from this internship experience and carry forward as she continues her journey in graphic design.
Interested in learning more about our internship program? Check out what some of our past interns have said about their experience here. If you’re ready to launch your career in the non–profit space, head over to Think Together’s career gage.
At Think Together, interns have the opportunity to make a real impact through storytelling. Communications Intern Valerie worked closely with the Communications Team to develop social media campaigns, write blogs, and produce press materials that engage audiences across California about the power of expanded learning.
Q: What were some of your daily responsibilities during your internship?
During my internship this summer, I reported to the Director of Communications. In my role, I took part in several projects, like social media content planning and writing captivating blogs. I was also able to pitch a press release that highlighted a leader at Think Together, which received media coverage across the Palm Springs region. Every day was different, and I feel that I always had the chance to contribute to meaningful projects.
Q: What’s the most valuable thing you learned during your internship?
I learned how impactful storytelling can be. From writing a blog to sharing a press release, I experienced how communication efforts can highlight the people and programs that make a difference. I gained a lot of confidence in pitching and in my writing overall.
Q: Of all your projects, which one was the most memorable?
Two of the most memorable projects were being interviewed for the alumni project and pitching media for the Randy Barth Leadership Award. It was incredible as I got to share my story about my journey with Think Together, from being a student to a program leader, and now an intern. It was truly inspiring to reflect on my growth and see how my story could potentially inspire or motivate others. I was thrilled to be writing and publishing a press release to highlight a Think Together leader, which received media coverage from Desert Charities News and The Desert Sun, and seeing how my words had real-world impact was both exciting and rewarding.
Q: How has this internship helped prepare you for your career?
I learned so much from my mentors on how to apply a brand’s voice in my writing and create compelling social media content. I created content that not only informs but also engages and inspires an audience. This internship gave me the opportunity to grow the skills I already had coming in and gain new skills that I can use in the future as I pursue my career.
Q: What advice would you give to a future intern at Think Together?
Take every task or project as an opportunity to learn. No matter how big or small a task might seem, there is always something you can take away from it. This team supports you and will give you the tools to succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Q: If you could describe your internship experience in one word, what would it be?
Impactful. This internship showed me that I want to continue pursuing a career where the work that I do helps others and has the power to create change.
Think Together is committed to investing in the future generations by providing a space that prepares young professionals for their careers. Through internships, students gain valuable experience, mentorship, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that make an impact in the community. These programs not only support professional growth but also reflect Think Together’s dedication to empowering the next generations.
Interested in learning more about our internship program? Check out what some of our past interns have said about their experience here. If you’re ready to launch your career in the non–profit space, head over to Think Together’s career page.
Collaborating to Bring Meaningful Impact with Whittier Chamber of Commerce
In collaboration with Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce, Think Together’s Santa Fe Springs regional office hosted Wake Up Whittier, bringing together leaders within the community to connect and share ideas that strengthen partnerships.
Think Together was grateful for the opportunity to share more about its statewide impact with the Whittier community and highlight local partnerships with South Whittier School District and RMH Dance and Productions. Together, the organization is inspiring change by working with local districts, cities and business leaders to bring more expanded learning opportunities to students beyond the school day.
The Celebration Continues for Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
Melanie Barraza
Once again, Think Together’s Randy Barth Leadership Award winner Melanie Barraza was in the spotlight as she appeared on The Desert Sun. As a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Melanie has been able to provide students with more opportunities for growth and development. Her ability to inspire collaboration between educators, families, and community partners continues to open doors for student success.
Congratulations, Melanie!
Think Summer in Baldwin Park Unified School District Continues to Thrive
Summer may be coming to an end but Think Summer program is still celebrated for bringing opportunities to students all summer long. We are honored to have Baldwin Park Unified School District (BPUSD) featured in Baldwin Park News. For over 15 years, BPUSD has shown constant support for Think Together’s mission as we align to ensure every student has access to high-quality expanded learning opportunities.
New Location, Same Impact!
For Think Together staff in the Inland Empire region, the team will be moving to a new location in Colton, California. This group of motivated leaders has been making an impact with many of our district partners in San Bernardino County, and the new office will further support their work to continue making a difference in the community.
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.
This summer has been nothing short of enriching for Think Together students. From cheering at baseball games, to exploring science museums, to developing new skills in dancing and cooking, California youth across the state made the most of their break with hands-on learning and meaningful adventures. Think Together served more than 25,000 students this summer at over 270 program sites, helping prevent summer learning loss while creating unforgettable memories.
Here’s a peek at Think Summer 2025:
Los Angeles Metro 🌞
Fenton Charter Public School scientists tapped into their curiosity at the Discovery Cube, where interactive science exhibits brought learning to life. Budding scientists and engineers explored topics such as recycling, ocean life, physics and plant science through hands-on activities, sparking curiosity that extended beyond the classroom.
Fourth grader Mackenzie shared, “It’s important we learn about science for the classes we will take in the future. This field trip is helping us learn about things we haven’t seen yet.”
East Los Angeles County 🦕
El Rancho Unified School District led a busy summer full of golf, tech learning, and fossil exploration! Elementary students traveled through time at the La Brea Tar Pits, where they learned about the Ice Age, saw fossils up close and explored the only active Ice Age fossil site in the world.
Through the Latina Golfers Association, middle school girls learned the fundamentals of golf and heard from Councilwoman Dr. Monica Sanchez, who inspired them to dream big and chase their goals.
Technology and engineering were the main highlight of the day at SoFi Stadium where middle schoolers explored behind-the-scenes of the tech that creates the magic of the large stadium. They also participated in a career panel with SoFi Stadium professionals to learn about various career paths.
High school coders from Compton USD also embarked on a summer activity of their own at the WeWork HQ, where they held their culminating Hackathon event. The high schoolers collaborated in teams with tech mentors and presented projects to industry professionals to showcase their creativity through coding and explored various career options in the STEM field.
Aspiring engineers at Vista Charter Public School explored STEM through the construction of a zipline with PIMCO and the Child Creativity Lab, learning how creative thinking and problem-solving are closely intertwined. Their innovation was put to the test as they created zipline carriers capable of transporting a ball safely from one end to the other.
Paramount Unified School District learners were inspired by innovation and discovery at the California Science Center, where interactive exhibits encouraged students to imagine the possibilities of future technology.
The Desert 🎢
A trip to Knott’s Berry Farm delivered thrills and laughs for Hemet Unified School District high schoolers with roller coasters, games and summer treats. As part of the Energy in Motion Tour, Think Together high schoolers learned about the physics of motion and energy transfer through rides like Supreme Scream, Wipe Out and Hang Time, gaining front-row seats and skipping the lines to witness science in action.
Palm Springs Unified School District campers created their own Camp Day event, complete with a campsite aesthetic, friendship bracelet making, a s’mores station and camp-style games such as potato sack races, cup stacking and volleyball.
Curious scientists from Val Verde Unified School District explored natural wonders at the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center and took a trip to the Discovery Cube. There, students experienced hands-on exhibits like the “Sea Lab” and “Dino Quest,” where they explored marine biology, prehistoric anatomy and animal behavior in engaging and interactive ways.
San Bernardino County 🐍
From meeting slithery new friends during a reptile show to laughing along with a ventriloquist performance and cooking up creativity at Sauté Academy, Colton Joint Unified School District summer learners stayed engaged in hands-on fun.
Wild Man Dan introduced kindergarten through sixth-graders to reptiles and arachnids from across the globe, helping them overcome fears and learn about backyard wildlife.
“I really liked learning about all the interesting animals; my favorite was the scorpion,” shared fourth grader Evalyn.
At Sauté Academy, young chefs practiced safe cutting techniques, learned to whip cream by hand and assembled their own fruit pastries.
“It was fun to make the pastries because I’ve baked with my grandma and this reminded me of doing that with her,” said sixth grader Jackson.
San Gabriel Valley ⚾
It was all smiles and stadium snacks during an Angels Game outing, where eighth grader Jayden from Baldwin Park Unified School District was invited to step onto the field and start off the game with a “Play Ball!” announcement.
In Azusa Unified School District, kindergarten through eighth–grade students ventured into a day packed with STEM activities at Main Event. It was a unique learning experience as it was done in an arcade-style setting, where they learned the science behind their favorite games and math lessons using pizza!
“I liked how we got to play and learn at the same time,” shared fourth grader Frank. “I didn’t know there was so much math and science in pizza and games!”
High Desert 🎸
Victor Elementary School District scholars showcased their out-of-this-world creativity by designing space-themed parade floats using their summer camp parade kits filled with all the necessary materials to bring their astronaut ideas to life.
Elementary schoolers from Hesperia Unified School District explored their passion for music at the After School Music Academy, where they learned the basics of drumming and built confidence through performance-based learning.
Northern and Central California 🐛
In Vacaville Unified School District, kindergarten through sixth-grade students dove into imaginative weekly themes like bugs, underwater wonders, friendship and sports heroes. These themed experiences sparked curiosity, creativity and meaningful conversations, giving students new ways to connect with one another and the world around them.
At Think Together, summer isn’t just a break from school; it’s a chance to keep curiosity alive, ignite new passions and help students keep their minds active to avoid summer learning loss. By providing enriching programs and meaningful experiences during the long break, Think Summer ensures kids return to school confident, inspired and ready to learn.
