Together We…Dance Ballet Folklorico

Dance, Think Together, sleep, repeat! Blanca Silva has dedicated the last eight years to trying to perfect her craft. Starting as a Program Leader, she continued to move forward in her career and is now an Associate Director, Program Excellence for the Bay Area. Blanca made sure to become a pro in every position to ensure the Bay Area region is putting their community first and leading with a team mindset. Learn more about Bianca’s career trajectory below.

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together?

What inspires me to work at Think Together is the difference we make for the students who attend the program and the communities we build. When I was a Program Leader, I wanted to work with students to teach dance, and I ended up loving being able to support students in an afterschool capacity to ensure they are meeting academic goals. I was very fortunate that Think together offers room for growth.

What would be the theme song to your life?

The theme song for my life is by Marc Anthony: “Vivir Mi Vida.” I picked this song because Marc Anthony is one of my favorite artists and the song translates to “live my life.” It’s important to enjoy the journey whether the road is bumpy or smooth.

Flashback to five years ago, did you envision your career at Think Together as it is today?

Five years ago, I was extremely comfortable in my role as a Site Coordinator. My site was excelling with back-to-back successful site visits. However, my General Manager pushed me to take the next step as a Quality Assurance Coach. I could never have envisioned how much I have loved and enjoyed my roles and building my career with Think Together.

You recently were recognized as one of the Unsung Heroes by Congressmember Alex Lee. Can you tell me how this happened and what this means to you?

I was one out of 27 recognized by Congressmember Alex Lee as an Unsung Hero. This annual event recognizes leaders in the community who are making a difference in small and big ways. Sofia Basilio, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, nominated me because of the work I do as an afterschool professional and for the volunteer dance lessons I teach at Schilling Elementary School in Newark. It was an honor to see so many others supporting and making a difference in the community, and I was very proud to represent my community and Think Together.

What was your favorite memory when you went to school?

In high school, I was enrolled in our dance team and the opportunities that came from that created such positive memories. I have had the opportunity to teach dances like folklorico, cumbia, merengue, salsa and banda. I enjoyed competitive dance so much and even won first place in a showcase called Ritmo Latino! This was a huge win for me and something I think about fondly.

Tell us something about your region or team that not many Thinkers would know about.

My region and I call ourselves the East Bay Thinkers! Something I like to cascade to my team is that we are not only a district team, but a regional team. If any other district needs support, I want to ensure my team is demonstrating their leadership skills. If I ask, I know my team will jump in and support in any way they can. Each SPM creates a sense of community and belonging for their staff and their students, and the teams really enjoy their jobs and run successful programs. Our self-made nickname keeps everyone’s morale up and creates a sense of team.

If you could join any tv show in the universe, which one would it be and why?

I would love to be an actress in the telenovela, Maria la del Barrio. I enjoy watching telenovelas and when one ends, a new one begins.  I am obsessed and enjoy watching and laughing at the dramatic scenes. It reminds me that even though there may be some moments in our personal life when things may be tough, there’s always a solution to any problem.

Do you have a student story that has stuck with you?

My eight years at Think Together have brought a lot of student stories but my favorite one to tell is how some of my previous students have now become Program Leaders in the same community they started in as students. I really enjoy the full circle moment because now they are giving back to their community and working with the same friends they grew up with.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work, I love to teach dance, specifically ballet folklorico. After my shift, I teach at one of the schools for the districts we support, and I get to work with many of our students from multiple sites, from elementary to middle school. I have a passion for teaching dance and enjoy choreographing routines,.

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Think Together proudly supports older youth by carving a path toward higher education with our 2025 Beyond Think Together Scholarship Award. This year, ten Think Together high school seniors across California were awarded a $3,000 scholarship to support their continued education. 

These students were chosen because of their compelling stories about how expanded learning inspired them to unlock new potential and prepared them for a prosperous future.

Think Together serves over 8,400 high school students annually with college and career readiness program offerings, resume and career exploration workshops, college campus tours, internships and much more. Through these programs, students receive the tools necessary to graduate with all life options available to them.

Learn more about our scholarship recipients and their Think Together story below.

Mya Rivera

Mya describes her Think Together journey as a life-changing experience that shaped her personal growth and academic success. With the help of program tutors, Mya became self-assured and began enjoying subjects she once found difficult. Beginning this fall, Mya will be attending Riverside City College. She aspires to become a mentor and create programs like Think Together that drive meaningful change.

“My experience with Think Together will always stay with me, motivating me to inspire others to find the same sense of belonging and growth.”

Valeria Jimenez-Fuentes

Think Together was a second home for Valeria; a place where she found guidance, encouragement and unforgettable memories. Valeria credits the program for shining a light on her desire to become a private chef. She will be following her culinary dreams at the Culinary Institute of America and hopes to create quality, healthy food.

“I cannot imagine my life without the great impact Think Together had on me and many of my friends. This program saved my social skills and turned my high school experience into something positive and ever-growing.”

Parshv Patel

High school is already a challenging place to navigate, and for Parshv, it was even more difficult as someone new to the country. Think Together provided a safe place for him to adjust and assist others facing similar struggles. Parshv committed to the University of California, Berkeley and plans to pursue data science so he can learn to use technology to solve real-world problems.

“Think Together transformed me from a struggling student into a leader, mentor, and believer in a community. It taught me that education isn’t just individual achievement; it’s uplifting others. That’s a lesson I’ll carry forward, empowering those waiting to hear, ‘You’re good at this, you just need to trust yourself.’”

Lucas Krause

As an avid pool player, Lucas found a community at Think Together with fellow pool fans. For him, finding a group of people who shared the same interest was an opportunity to create lasting friendships. Lucas will be heading to California State University, Fresno to major in architecture.

“I am beyond grateful for the Think Together program and what they have done for me and the struggles they have helped me overcome.”

Briana Aguilera

For nine years, Think Together remained a haven for Briana. The program helped her step outside her comfort zone and realize she was capable of much more than she believed. Briana aspires to become an orthodontist and prove that dreams are possible no matter where you come from. She is beginning her higher education journey at the University of California, Riverside in the upcoming school year.

“I worried that I wouldn’t be good enough or that I would fail, but Think Together became a place where I was surrounded by people who saw my potential even when I couldn’t.”

Miguel del Cid Martinez

Having only been in the U.S. for a few years, it was a whole new world for Miguel when he walked through Think Together’s doors. He discovered that the program was much more than academic tutoring; it was a life-changing experience that gave him courage to socialize. Miguel has his sights set on California Polytechnic State University to study engineering.

“I joined Think Together primarily to perform better in school, but I quickly discovered that the staff was very kind. They were interested in knowing my needs and provided me assistance, which made a genuine impact on my studies.”

Jadira Alvarado

Despite Jadira speaking limited English, language was no barrier for her as her Think Together mentors helped her persevere. Jadira is grateful to Think Together for inspiring her to set ambitious goals. Jadira has chosen to attend Colorado State University to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

“Think Together is more than just an afterschool program; it’s a place that truly makes you feel safe, supported, and understood no matter the challenges you are facing.”

Hailey Quintero

“You have a voice worth hearing” were the words said by a Think Together mentor that will always stay with Hailey. These words made her feel seen and encouraged her to be a strong leader. Hailey is passionate about performing arts and looks forward to pursuing a career in that field at California State University, Fullerton.

“I will always be grateful for Think Together. It gave me confidence, direction, and purpose. Now, I am ready to take what I learned at Think Together and make a difference in my future.”

Think Together is filled with pride as these future odd-changers make their dreams a reality. Think Together celebrates the scholarship recipients who have not only achieved remarkable milestones but are also a testament to what hard work and determination can do!

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Think Together and Orange County School of the Arts reach more students than ever with high-quality arts programs in Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Santa Ana, Calif. (June 5, 2025) Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, has expanded its Arts Enrichment Accelerator programs in Paramount Unified School District (PUSD) in partnership with Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) to further widen student access to visual and performing arts curriculum and exploration.  

Through the expanded partnership, TK-8 students across Paramount Unified School District now have access to enriching arts experiences taught by professional OCSA teaching artists during its afterschool programs, spring break and summer non-instructional day programs. Think Together students are getting hands-on learning opportunities in ballet folklorico and mariachi music.

“This new development of our Arts Accelerator allows us to expand our reach with Orange County School of the Arts and further enrich our students’ learning with world-class arts education,” said Jaclyn Aviles, Innovations Lab Senior Strategist for Think Together. “These experiences empower students to discover their passions and build confidence that carries far beyond the academic space.”

During Think Together’s afterschool and expanded learning programs with PUSD, students can enroll in interactive class sessions that immerse them in cultural dance styles like ballet folklorico and stylistic music lessons such as mariachi. Students don’t just master how to dance or play music; they learn the origin of the dances and the meaning behind the music.

In addition to visual and performing arts at PUSD, Paularino Elementary School students in Newport-Mesa Unified School District also took part in a pilot OCSA culinary arts program implemented during the afterschool time this spring. Students learned the value of nutrition, recipes, and how to combine ingredients.

Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Orange County School of the Arts, the Arts Enrichment Accelerator has served over 3,000 students across Southern California in Orange Unified School District, Chino Valley Unified School District, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, and Paramount Unified School District. This extended partnership aims to bring dynamic arts education to a range of students where they are not only able to express themselves creatively but also be exposed to potential career opportunities.

“It’s important to have community be a factor in helping address the arts challenges that face not only our Southern California community, but also California in general,” said Brian Stevens, Director of Community Engagement of Orange County School of the Arts. “You can effectively and strategically serve many more students with partners like Think Together that have the capacity to scale. Think Together is tremendously ingrained and intentional about bringing community together and OCSA shares the same vision.”

Towards the end of the arts accelerator classes, students’ friends and families are invited to a “step into the classroom” culminating event. The most recent such event was at Howard Tanner Elementary School on Wednesday, June 4, and showcased newfound skills and techniques students learned in the art of ballet folklorico and mariachi.

“At Think Together, our vision is that all students in California, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, graduate with all life options available,” said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. “So, Think Together’s partnership with Orange County School of the Arts is doing just that; ensuring students explore the limitless possibilities for their bright futures ahead.”

Think Together and OCSA will carry on their Arts Enrichment Accelerator initiative through the summer and continue to bring elevated arts curriculum to Think Together’s school partner sites in Paramount Unified School District. On the horizon for the upcoming fall, Lynwood Unified School District will also take part in Think Together’s Arts Enrichment Accelerator with OCSA.

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.  

About Orange County School of the Arts  

The nationally recognized Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) provides unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging and nurturing environment to a diverse student body with a passion for the arts. Founded in 1987, OCSA currently serves approximately 2,300 gifted students in grades seven through 12 from more than 100 cities throughout California. In addition to a college-preparatory academic program, OCSA offers pre-professional arts training in 17 conservatories within the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music and Theatre. The nonprofit public charter school relies solely on private donations, totaling $10 million annually, to fund the arts training programs. Currently led by president and CEO Teren Shaffer, OCSA has received recognitions for its programs locally, regionally and nationally. For additional information, visit www.ocsarts.net. 

Think Together creates new C-suite role to fuel market innovation and transform educational outcomes as it expands services and impact across California. 

Santa Ana, Calif. (May 22, 2025) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and school improvement services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Scharpnick as Chief of Innovation, Impact Portfolio.  

With the completion of Think Together’s strategic plan, the organization is launching a bold new phase of growth through its Impact Portfolio to create conditions where every child has access to all of life’s possibilities upon graduation from high school. As Chief of Innovation, Scharpnick will play a pivotal role in building out Think Together’s five-year plan to double its footprint and increase its impact on school systems across California and beyond. 

“Our Impact Portfolio is designed to extend the reach of Think Together’s core services by elevating what we offer in support of schools and communities,” said Founder and CEO of Think Together Randy Barth. “Scharpnick brings a rare blend of creativity, strategic insight, and digital innovation expertise that will help advance our vision for scalable and equitable student success.” 

In this role, Scharpnick will lead the strategic development of technological solutions for Orenda Education, Leading for Student Success, as well as a new suite of digital products designed to expand the impact of Think Together’s core expanded learning and afterschool programs. He will also drive innovation across Think Together’s Impact Portfolio using technology and strategic design to scale transformative education efforts statewide.

The Impact Portfolio will focus on leveraging digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to help schools elevate student outcomes. Scharpnick will partner with leaders across Think Together and its sister organizations to launch new ventures, train the next generation of education leaders, and deliver proven practices to the right stakeholders at the right time.  

Scharpnick returns to Think Together with nearly two decades of experience in strategy, design, and digital transformation. He most recently served as a Director at BCG X, the digital and AI innovation arm of Boston Consulting Group, where he led product development and venture launches for Fortune 500 companies. He also co-founded Elefint, a design studio focused on supporting mission-driven organizations through strategy and storytelling. Earlier in his career, he served as Think Together’s Director of Marketing and Communications from 2006 to 2007. 

“Returning to Think Together feels like coming full circle—not just personally, but professionally,” said Scharpnick. “It’s an exciting moment to be part of an organization that’s leaning into innovation to meet the needs of today’s students. I’m honored to help lead efforts that make our systems more scalable, more sustainable, and ultimately more impactful.” 

“Innovation is essential to transforming education at scale,” added Barth. “By reimagining systems and streamlining how we deliver what works in schools, we can align people and practices around a shared vision for student achievement.” 

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.  

Volunteers Help Make Summer Fun Possible for Think Together Students 

Rain or shine, these dedicated changemakers demonstrated what the power of volunteerism can accomplish for a community. With the helping hands of more than 100 volunteers at Think Together’s Spring Kit Build, over 1,500 summer learning kits and book bags were assembled. These kits generated over $200,000 for Think Together programs, bringing better opportunities to nearly 28,000 students this summer. 

This impact wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the everyday heroes from organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, Assistance League, Pioneer Circuits, BNY, Deloitte, Taylor Law, Pacific Life, and RMH.  

Thank you to Orange County Register and Orange County Business Journal for featuring this event! 

Latin Beats and Big Smiles from Think Together Dance Group During Lynwood Unified School District Showcase 

At Lynwood Unified School District, Think Together dance group students from Will Rogers Elementary School dazzled on stage during their Latin dance performance for the Lynwood Unified School District Arts Festival and District Showcase, displaying their talents to parents and staff. 

Thank you to Los Angeles Wave Newspaper for highlighting this enriching event! 

Odds-Changers Unite to Teach and Learn at the 2025 BOOST Conference 

Think Together was well-represented at the 2025 BOOST Conference, where we hosted six workshops with a total of 11 speakers. 

These exceptional leaders had the opportunity to share our mission with thousands of out-of-school time professionals and educators. Our team of odds-changers also gained valuable insights from fellow speakers, embracing new ideas and strategies to make expanded learning even better for the students Think Together serves. 

Think Together Brings Fashion and Flair into the Afterschool Space 

Channeling the golden age of glamour, Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) fashion students brought creativity and confidence to their student-led “Old Hollywood” themed fashion show.  These style-savvy students designed not only the clothing but also planned the makeup and hairstyles to bring their visions to life.

In a first-of-its-kind partnership between DHSHS and Think Together, the fashion students are now able to extend their time designing, thanks to Think Together’s newly launched afterschool fashion club on campus. Students are expanding their passions beyond the regular school day and Think Together is proud to inspire and light the way for them.   

Thank you to local radio host Gene Nichols for featuring DHSHS Site Program Manager Fiona Burns on his Community Roundup segment, where she shared highlights from the event in a live interview. Listen to the full interview below!

Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Organizational Development Holly Perry Honored for Transformational Impact 

Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Organizational Development Holly Perry continues to pave the way for success at Think Together! Beginning her journey in 2021, she has helped transform the organization for the better. Thank you to LA Times for recognizing Holly’s contributions and naming her a finalist at the LA Executive Forum and Leadership Awards! 

The accolades don’t stop there, as Holly was also honored as a the Top 50 Talent Acquisition Professional Award winner for the 2025 OnCon Icon Awards. This award recognizes some of the top talent acquisition professionals around the world. 

Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition, Holly! 

Building the K-12 to Career Pipeline at the National Association of Latino Elected Officials Policy Institute 

At the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Policy Institute, Think Together’s Director of District Partnerships, Paul Solano, and Director of Older Youth Programs, Molly Stoeckel, presented strategies to Latino education policymakers aimed at strengthening the K–12 to career pipeline. Their focus was on enhancing STEM education and workforce readiness to better serve Latino students and communities. 

Way to go, Paul and Molly! 

We’re clear for takeoff! In partnership with Southwest Airlines, Think Together high school juniors now have the chance to soar to new heights with the Flight to the Future award. Thanks to this new partnership, 12 students will receive full funding from Southwest Airlines to fly to any college in the U.S., making their higher education dreams a reality. 

By providing students the opportunity to experience a college campus tour, Think Together and Southwest Airlines can bring clarity and confidence to students as they plan their next step. For some, especially those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, these visits can be especially meaningful. 

In 2024, Think Together served 8,499 high school students, with 95% of them sharing that they feel confident that college is an option. To build on this growing confidence, college visits offer students a valuable chance to see if their dream school feels like the right fit. 

Meet the 2025 Flight to the Future award recipients who are getting ready for takeoff: 

Antonio, Azusa Unified School District 

Dream College(s): University of Texas, UC Berkeley, Cornell University 

Career Goals: Civil Engineer 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“I want to design structures that not only help communities thrive but also protect the environment. I believe the experiences I’ve gained through Think Together, along with the opportunity to visit new places and meet new people, will help me get closer to that goal. The program has helped me gain the confidence and motivation I need to keep pushing forward.” 

Ricardo, Hemet Unified School District 

Dream College(s): Columbia University, New York University 

Career Goals: Senior Scientist, Biotech Manager, Professor 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“By visiting Columbia University, Think Together will grant me the only chance I have to explore my life outside of California. I would see what life would be like in a big city, permitting me to see the diversity of the journeys I could take to fulfill my ideals.” 

Ethan, Hemet Unified School District 

Dream College(s): Wartburg College, SUNY Westchester Community College, Illinois Central College 

Career Goals: Social Ecology 

What does this trip mean to you?  

“This trip would open my eyes since I’ve never been too far out of California or experienced a college tour. I would be given a firsthand view of the college I want to go to as well as a chance to see what my future could look like.” 

Diego, Discovery Prep 

Dream College(s): New York University, University of Washington, Duke University 

Career Goals: American History Teacher, Marketing 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“I’d love to see the historic areas with museums and a business-centric city. I’d be able to see all the things a business needs to do such as the advertisements which are prominent in marketing.” 

Ciara, Rialto Unified School District 

Dream College(s): Loma Linda University, New York University, Stanford University, University of Oregon 

Career Goals: Health Education 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“My time at Loma Linda University will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to excel in my field.” 

Angelina, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools 

Dream College(s): University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Spelman College 

Career Goals: Marine Biologist 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“This trip will be a life-changing opportunity for me. It will give me a glimpse of what’s possible, allow me to connect with professionals in my field, and motivate me to keep pushing forward.” 

Yvan, Azusa Unified School District 

Dream College(s): University of California, Irvine, Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles 

Career Goals: Optometrist 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“I plan to go to renowned colleges, such as UCI, UCLA, and Stanford University, known for having a solid pre-med course. I hope to become an optometrist to support those with vision impairment and give them the best treatment possible, so that their futures will be as bright as possible.”

Starr, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools 

Dream College(s): University of Alabama, University of Connecticut, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 

Career Goals: Aviation Pilot 

What does this trip mean to you?  

“This trip will impact my future greatly as it’ll let me know if going to Embry-Riddle is the right choice compared to other pilot schools I’m looking at and if I see myself there. It will also help me take a step closer to my dream of flying one day in general and along with my friend Skye who’s already learning so we can be the coolest ones in our friend group!”

Yahel, Magnolia Public Schools 

Dream College(s): Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University 

Career Goals: Lawyer 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“This Think Together scholarship is opening doors for me. It allows me to explore schools with strong law programs, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, and work toward my dream of becoming a lawyer.” 

Anthony, Discovery Prep 

Dream College(s): University of Georgia, Pennsylvania State University, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa 

Career Goals: Business Owner 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“This opportunity would aid my future because it would allow me to visit these prestigious schools and see where my hard work can lead me.” 

Xitlali, Bassett Unified School District 

Dream College(s): Michigan State University, University of Hawai‘i

Career Goals: Elementary Education 

What does this trip mean to you? 

“This trip will impact my future, as it will give me the opportunity to explore a campus that I don’t have access to. I will be able to envision myself in school while searching for what is right for my personal journey. Lastly, I would also be able to connect with the community to figure out if this is the right school for me.” 

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At Think Together, we go above and beyond to ensure our students feel equipped for their futures. With the Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), students are given the opportunity to explore their interests and develop life skills, ultimately preparing them for college and careers after high school. 

Southwest Airlines joins WREP partners such as Bank of America, State Farm, Union Pacific Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.  

The future looks brighter every day for our students thanks to partners like these who believe in our mission. 

Showing up with a smile and positive attitude is the way Rochelle Pollard, Program Trainer, Quality & Compliance, believes she is making the biggest difference in students’ lives. Rochelle strives to enrich her Riverside Northeast community with her love for education, her caring approach to students, and always persevering attitude. Read below to learn more about Rochelle.

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together?

What inspires me is my community. I have lived and worked here since 1997 and like to have a hands-on approach and be a part of the changes and connections happening in my neighborhood. My need to enrich my community started before Think Together and inspired me to work for the City of Moreno Valley for 16 years, where I held different supervisory roles such as the S.T.A.R.S. afterschool fun club program coordinator and Time for Tots pre-school coordinator.

What is one song that can lift your mood instantly?

“Happy” by Pharrell! The goal is to always see smiling faces on staff, students, friends and family. It instantly makes me walk around with a smile.

What is your favorite part of being a Program Trainer, Quality & Compliance?

Taking folks to the next level and being able to share my knowledge, true stories, experiences and to teach new skills. I love being able to connect with my co-workers and build capacities and competences that help make our team stronger.

What is your version of the perfect day off?

Being at home by myself just relaxing, ordering food deliveries, spring cleaning the inside of my house or starting a DIY home project (like painting, sanding wood furniture or rearranging furniture).

What are the professional goals you are hoping to accomplish this year?

I want to execute on my deliverables with quality and in a timely manner. I wish to continue my growth on this new learning path with ease and contribute to a culture of values, understanding, and togetherness.

Besides necessities, what is one thing in your life that you cannot live without?

I would have to say my kids. I lost my daughter in 2021 from COVID and hold her twin sister, my other daughter and son very close to my heart. We are especially close because I adopted the twins and had my other two children all in a four-year span.

Do you have a student story that has stuck with you?

I have always wanted to be a paragraph in a student’s life that I helped impact. I have a few student stories but the one I love to share is about a Program Leader who was once a student of Think Together. One day at the Hub office, this former student of mine stopped me and asked if I knew why he was there. He told me that he was a student of mine in Program and remembered my happiness and kindness. He also reminded me that my words “you matter, and your voice deserves to be heard” created a huge impact in his life. When he was my student, he was living with his grandmother, and he said the way I went out of my way to consistently check up on him meant the world to him and was extremely needed at the time. He gave me a huge compliment about how lucky my son was to have me. I was so happy he shared this with me.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

I love spending the day making my backyard beautiful and enjoy creating gifts and decorations for events and parties. My love language is giving, and it keeps me busy. I like to treat myself to a monthly facial and massage and you can also find me spending a few hours at the casino!

For Mental Health Awareness month, Think Together is proud to shine a light on how its expanded learning programs foster students’ development, problem-solving skills and collaboration through engagement in sports and play-based activities. 

KinFlow is an immersive, imaginative sport that combines physical activity with “mental fitness” to promote healthy competition, mind and body wellness, and teamwork for Think Together students. KinFlow draws from various skill sets and consists of two teams, with each having the goal of scoring a ring into the opposing team’s “portal.” 

Megan Shea, a Think Together Site Program Manager at a Paramount Unified School District site, witnessed first-hand the impact KinFlow has on her students.  

“KinFlow has positively impacted my students through their structure, productive guidance, and engaging activities. I’ve seen our most quiet students become the loudest ones on the field due to the excitement that KinFlow brings to our school,” said Megan. “It’s important to have activities like these in our afterschool programs, so that every student has the chance to participate in something new.” 

Think Together has partnered with KinFlow since the summer of 2023 to bring their unique sport to elementary and middle school sites in the Paramount Unified School District. 

Together, we’ve hosted tournaments during summer sessions and throughout the year for students to engage with peers from neighboring schools. 

Think Together students like 4th grader Miguel are thrilled to participate in KinFlow. Miguel is partaking in his second KinFlow season and is actively preparing for the culminating tournament at the end of the school year.   

“My favorite thing about KinFlow is that you use teamwork to play with your friends. I’ve learned how to pass the ring and not get mad over who has it or if they miss a shot,” Miguel shared. “This season, I’m most excited to play with new friends and get ready for the next tournament to win gold again, which we plan to win through teamwork and communication.”   

KinFlow’s Founder Zach Fisher says he designed the game in a way that naturally facilitates mindfulness practices, so it feels approachable, inclusive, and intuitive. He explains the exercise of mindfulness can help students self-regulate their emotions and find a peaceful state, no matter how high the emotions of the game are.  

Students from transitional kindergarten to high school all benefit from gaining skills such as goal-setting and self-regulation, which studies show can lead to higher levels of “school functioning” which are reflected in their test scores, attendance, and schoolwork. 

Fisher explained that by the age of 13, 75% of children quit youth sports, a number that he says is on the rise because, while children have a desire to participate in club sports and/or competitive sports, they can be very costly. Fisher believes Think Together contributes to children’s desire to participate in club sports without the pressure of cost.  

According to Henry Ford Health, youth sports amplify life skill knowledge, reduce stress, and lead to better mental health in adulthood. 

Think Together’s partnership with KinFlow highlights our dedication to providing a well-rounded academic experience that prepares students for bright and balanced futures.  

On April 26, over 100 volunteers met at Think Together’s Home Office in Santa Ana to spend the day assembling curriculum kits to be distributed to school sites to aid with summer programming. The volunteers represented organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, Assistance League, Pioneer Circuits, BNY, Deloitte, Taylor Law, Pacific Life and RMH.  

This event is the second year in a row that Think Together has moved away from a traditional gala fundraiser. This year’s Kit Build has generated $200,000 for Think Together programs and 1,500 kits that will benefit nearly 28,000 students this summer. 

Think Together’s approach combines fun with learning, giving students opportunities to learn new skills and stay sharp on others before school starts again in the fall. One lesson from the curriculum kits students will learn this summer is how to work together to make parade floats that they will present to friends and family during a culminating event. 

Starting as early as mid-May, Think Together will partner with school districts to run 4–6-week summer learning programs filled with enriching lessons, field trips and opportunities to keep connected to friends.  

Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors for another successful Kit Build!  

Keeping Donors Connected to the Mission 

We’ve noticed a growing trend among our donors: they want to play a more active role in helping students directly. From intimate corporate office activations to larger-scale events, we’re creating opportunities for them to make a real impact. 

Recently, Honda and the Assistance League of Tustin participated in book doctor volunteer events, where volunteers collected, repaired, and sorted books to support literacy across the state. Thanks to their efforts, 4,200 books will be distributed to students over the next few weeks.  

Nossaman LLP’s Los Angeles office also participated in mock interviews with students from Perris and Heritage High Schools as part of WREP, offering feedback and tips to prepare students for their future careers.  

Looking to join in on helping students? Save the date for our Inland Empire backpack event on July 26! We are seeking partnerships to fill backpacks with the supplies necessary for students to start the school year on the right foot. If you’re interested in supporting or sponsoring, please reach out to [email protected].  

1,500 summer learning curriculum kits will benefit students across the state this summer. 

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 28, 2025): Think Together,  California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and school improvement services, held a donor and volunteer engagement event at their Santa Ana headquarters where they raised $200,000 and assembled over 1,500 curriculum kits and book bags to enhance summer learning for over 28,000 students across the state.  

Research from Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) suggests that students in under-resourced communities can lose up to three months of progress from the previous academic year compared to their wealthier peers. By providing access to engaging, high-quality summer learning experiences, Think Together helps bridge that gap, boosting skills in math, reading, and social-emotional development while keeping students motivated and connected through the school break. 

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our volunteers and donors who helped create meaningful educational experiences for students this summer,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “This event not only provided an opportunity to directly impact students’ summer learning, but it also reinforced the power of private and public partnership to help ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.” 

The event marks the second year Think Together has hosted a seasonal kit build, attracting nearly 100 volunteers and sponsorships from organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, Assistance League, Pioneer Circuits, Pacific Life, BNY Wealth, Deloitte, Taylor Nelson Amitrano LLP and PWC. Participants assembled summer learning enrichment kits filled with supplies for hands-on activities in STEAM, English language arts, physical education and visual arts.  

Over the last two years, Think Together has shifted to giving donors more interactive ways to engage with its mission. Events like kits builds, books doctors and classroom readings offer donors and supporters the hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to student success in real-time.  

“We’ve noticed that our donors and supporters want to do more than just write a check, they want to get involved with helping students directly. Between smaller donor activations at corporate offices to larger-scale events like this, we’re giving them that opportunity to impact students in a meaningful way,” added Barth.  

Starting as early as mid-May, Think Together will bring a fun and enriching summer camp experience to their school district partners over 4-6 weeklong sessions with lessons in team building, physical activity and academic enrichment in addition to field trips and on-site experiences for students. One lesson from the curriculum kits students will learn this summer is how to work together to make parade floats that they will present to friends and family during a culminating event. 

Last summer, Think Together was contracted to serve students across 280 schools, and this year’s hands-on volunteer event continues to build on that momentum, ensuring even more young learners have access to high-quality enrichment that supports their academic and personal growth.

About Think Together    

Think Together partners 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, school improvement, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org. 

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