This summer, Think Together students from Colton Joint Unified School District got an up-close look at some of the world’s most fascinating and misunderstood creatures during a live reptile presentation from Wild Man Dan.

From a bright blue poison dart frog to a massive Burmese python, Wild Man Dan introduced students to reptiles and arachnids from across the globe. This interactive learning experience brought science and wildlife education to K-6 grade students through discovery-based learning, a key approach among the many types of play in early childhood that support cognitive and emotional growth.

“I really liked learning about all the interesting animals; my favorite was the scorpion,” shared fourth grader Evalyn. “We also learned about the difference between venomous and poisonous animals, which was super cool.”

Daniel Quinones, better known to students as Wild Man Dan, emphasized the importance of presentations like this one. He noted that many kids are afraid of the animals they might find in their own backyard, and the goal is to replace that fear with understanding and respect. By learning about these creatures, students can safely observe wildlife in nature and understand the importance of protecting animal habitats.

Think Together’s summer programs ensure students continue building knowledge and curiosity during critical out-of-school months. According to the American Federation of Teachers, summer learning loss extends far beyond academics. When students don’t have access to engaging and enriching summer programs, they can also lose out on critical supports that impact their health, well-being, future career opportunities, and long-term stability.

“It’s super important, especially during the summer, that the kids have these hands-on activities,” said Esther Garcia, Think Together Site Program Manager. “We want to make sure we’re closing the gap and giving kids every opportunity to really learn something.”

Throughout the show, squeals of excitement filled the room. Students who were hesitant at first began to lean in, ask questions, and even cheer for the animals. The experience sparked a noticeable shift from fear to fascination as students engaged more confidently with the crawly creatures.

By connecting students to science, nature, and even career paths they might not otherwise encounter, Think Together helps them dream big and shine bright!

In Colton Joint Unified School District, the cafeteria sounded less like a classroom and more like a bakeshop, as Think Summer students welcomed chefs from Sauté Culinary Academy for a hands-on pastry workshop.

Sauté Academy offers engaging cooking classes for all ages with the mission of teaching basic culinary techniques. They create a space where students can whisk batter, pipe frosting, and work with professional tools under the guidance of experienced chefs.

According to the Lukin Center for Psychotherapy, cooking helps kids build confidence, improve focus and develop problem-solving skills. It also promotes social-emotional growth by encouraging teamwork, patience, and a sense of accomplishment. These benefits were on full display as students participated in activities that supported many types of play in early childhood, including cooperative, and imaginative experiences.

After a quick food-safety briefing, students rolled up their sleeves to create fruit pastries from scratch. They began by practicing safe cutting practices on fruit, learning the importance of focus and precision.

During the whipped cream challenge, students worked together to whip cream by hand until it reached perfect consistency, bringing lots of laughter and excitement. Finally, they assembled their pastries by layering the whipped cream and arranging the fruit.

Chef Nate from Sauté Academy enthusiastically watched students complete each step, sharing his thoughts on why introducing basic cooking skills to students is important. “It’s a great hobby and even a cool career path,” he said. “They can add to their cooking repertoire and help their families in the kitchen, which is really what it’s all about.”

Fifth-grader Mark could not hide his excitement. “My favorite part was the cooking because I get to make stuff not just for me, but I can save some and share it with my family too,” he said. “It’s going to be so fun watching them try it!”

Site Program Manager Gabriela Hidalgo shared her enthusiasm as she watched students dive into the activity. “This is actually their first time doing it, and it’s already looking amazing,” she said. “They’re having such a good time, and it’s a great opportunity especially for students who might not get experiences like this over the summer. Who knows, maybe it’s something new they’ll want to try again at home!”

As the workshop wrapped up, students enjoyed their pastries, tasting the sweet success of their hard work. More than just a recipe for learning, the culinary experience blended practical skills, creativity, and social-emotional development into summer memories students will carry with them well beyond the season.

Changing the odds for kids isn’t just supporting their academic needs but also investing in our Think Together program staff that support them every day. That is why Think Together is proud to renew its partnership with Kaiser Permanente through generous funding of $50,000 to support trauma-informed care strategies for our Bay Area staff in Newark, Oakland, Alum Rock, San Jose and Milpitas, California.

With the aid of these grants, Think Together program staff will continue to receive trauma-informed care training that introduces the basics of trauma and how it can affect students both physically and emotionally. This will provide over 3,500 students from 40 schools with access to restorative approaches to encourage healing, including self-reflection, storytelling, and group discussions.

According to World Metrics, “nearly 60% of girls and 40% of boys experience at least one traumatic event by age 16.” Think Together aims to equip students and staff with the tools necessary to face these challenges. By training our team to recognize the impact of trauma and respond with empathy and restorative practices, we help create safe, nurturing environments where every child can heal and thrive.

Think Together first offered trauma-informed care training in 2020, marking an important step in supporting the well-being of our students and staff. Since then, these trainings have empowered our community to flourish, with 98% of staff feeling confident in their ability to model healthy social and emotional skills.

Outside the classroom, Think Together parents have also noticed significant improvements with their children.

“Jacob has shown much improvement in controlling his anger and using his words to communicate what he is feeling,” said Think Together parent Gabby. “He also talks to us more about his day and has better ways of expressing his feelings.”

For Denise, another Think Together parent, trauma-informed care has completely transformed her daughter, giving her the confidence to speak up and grow into her own.

“Meghan’s transformation from a quiet kid to a social butterfly is truly remarkable,” said Denise. “Think Together has played a crucial role in empowering her to find her voice and advocate for herself. Whether it’s voicing preferences, like choosing the type of milk she wants, or sharing feedback on activities, she has become more confident and self-assured.”

For Think Together staff, this integration has enhanced their experience within program, allowing them to see how their training makes a difference in their students’ lives.

“We’ve been able to help students learn breathing techniques, promote a healthy lifestyle, and develop mindful practices,” said Think Together staff member, Natalie Corona.

Thank you to Kaiser Permanente for funding this vital program that provides students and families with a chance to grow and succeed!

Cobán López Leading Change in Think Together’s Bay Area

As Think Together continues to expand, we are happy to welcome our new Area Vice President Cobán López. With this new role, he will oversee Think Together’s direct student programs, working to expand educational access for students from Santa Barbara County to Sacramento County and beyond.

His leadership will build partnerships, improve staff development and retention, and work with school districts and community leaders to reduce educational gaps, creating positive change in communities. Learn more about Cobán in our press release.

Thank you to West Sacramento News Ledger for featuring Cobán!

From Afterschool to the Runway: DHSHS Students Shine at Fashion Week El Paseo

Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) students gained behind the scenes access to one of the desert’s premier fashion events. Through this unique partnership, students connect classroom learning with real-world exposure to careers in fashion, design, and production at El Paseo Fashion Week.

A special thank you to the Coachella Valley Independent for amplifying this story. Think Together is proud to help students dream big, create boldly, and shine beyond the school day.

Think Summer Heats Up the Summer Fun for Students

Think Summer has started across each of our regions and our students are getting geared up for some summer learning fun! In Palm Springs Unified School District, Think Summer is giving students the chance to grow their knowledge while enjoying exciting, hands-on experiences they’ll never forget.

In 2024, Think Summer served 28,033, offering safe and engaging spaces to explore new passions, build confidence, and keep learning all summer long. Think Together looks forward to bringing more opportunities to even more students this summer.

Thanks to KESQ-TV for shining a light on Think Summer!

Women Who Lead 2025 Raises Funds for Think Together Students

Palm Springs continues to show up for Think Together students! Thank you to Palm Springs Life for hosting the inspiring Women Who Lead 2025 event.

This annual celebration honors trailblazing women who are committed to creating positive change in their communities. This year’s event also helped raise funds for Think Together students, opening doors to more opportunities and providing the tools they need to thrive.

We appreciate the Desert Sun for featuring the event in their article, giving a voice to Think Together’s impactful mission.

Jaclyn Aviles Recognized at Los Angeles Business Journal 2025 Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards

Congratulations to Jaclyn Aviles, Senior Strategist of Think Together’s Innovations Lab, for being named a nominee for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2025 Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates trailblazing women across Los Angeles who lead with impact, innovation, and purpose.

Jaclyn’s nomination highlights her leadership in launching Think Together’s enrichment accelerator initiative, which connects students with hands-on learning experiences in areas like theater production and competitive soccer through partnerships with organizations such as the Arts and Learning Conservatory and Street Soccer USA.

Thank you to the Los Angeles Business Journal for recognizing Jaclyn as a nominee. Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

Architects Orange (AO) Earns Praise Over Think Together Office Transformation

Congratulations are in order for AO, whose work on the redevelopment of Think Together’s 4th and Parkcenter home office was nominated in the On-the-Boards Multifamily Community category at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference Golden Nugget Awards. This award category recognizes not just stunning aesthetics, but solutions that address hyper-local challenges and set a standard for innovation across the globe.

All of us at Think Together are thrilled that AO is receiving this well-deserved recognition for an impactful project that will help our community thrive.

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,.

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

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.