Think Together Expands Executive Team with Matt Scharpnick as Chief of Innovation 

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 xx, 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.” 

—  

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. 

Think Together appoints another key leader as it expands services and impact across California.  

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 23, 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 Cobán López as Area Vice President. In this role, López will oversee Think Together’s direct student programs, working to expand educational access for students from Santa Barbara County to Sacramento County and beyond. 

As Area Vice President, López will be instrumental in advancing Think Together’s five-year strategic plan, which aims to double its footprint and increase the reach of expanded learning programs across California while scaling its impact. His leadership will focus on cultivating strategic partnerships, enhancing staff development and retention, and collaborating with school districts and community leaders to address educational disparities and make a lasting positive change on entire communities.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Cobán López to Think Together,” said Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together. “His commitment to education and strong track record in program innovation make him a natural fit for this next phase of growth. Together, we’re building the systems and partnerships needed to scale our impact and ensure that more students have access to the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.” 

López brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development and education leadership to Think Together. His deep-rooted passion for student enrichment stems from his own experiences, having benefited from dedicated mentors, teachers, and after-school programs throughout his academic journey.  

Prior to joining Think Together, López served as the Director of Programs for the 49ers Foundation, leading its S.T.E.A.M. Education and Health and Wellness programs, which reached over 20,000 students annually across 14 Northern California counties. His previous leadership roles also include seven years at Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School, where he played a key role in enrollment, community relations, athletics, and school business operations. 

“My personal and professional connection to youth development has guided much of my career, and Think Together’s vision of ensuring all kids get a great education aligns closely with my own vision for improving access to quality education,” said López. “This role presents an exciting opportunity to build on Think Together’s success and develop programs that provide students with the resources and mentorship they need to reach their full potential.” 

Raised in the Bay Area, López attended Redwood City public schools and St. Francis High School in Mountain View before earning a bachelor’s degree in public service and social change from San José State University and a Master of Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University. 

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.  

Desert Hot Springs High School Students Dazzle at Fashion Week El Paseo 

Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) Fashion II class students brought their creativity to life at Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert. In partnership with Think Together, these fashion class students showcased their creations at one of the largest fashion events on the West Coast with the theme Magical Fairy Garden. 

The DHSHS fashion class students collaborated with Think Together fashion club students at Raymond Cree Middle School to create matching jewelry pieces for the designs. 

Together, these students exhibited their creativity and teamwork, blending fashion and innovation to bring a cohesive look to life on the runway.   

Thank you to The Desert Sun for highlighting the event’s magic! 

The National Afterschool Association (NAA) Honored Alexis Rivas as 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders 

Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Alexis Rivas has received the prestigious honor of being named a 2025 NAA Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. This recognition is awarded to emerging leaders in the out-of-school time field who have demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and a dedication to advancing their work as afterschool professionals. 

Alexis’ impactful work has equipped Think Together students and families with the essential resources needed to thrive. Much appreciation to Inland Empire Community News for featuring this momentous event.  

Congratulations, Alexis!  

Speaking Up for Afterschool Programs at the 2025 California Afterschool and Summer Challenge 

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department at Think Together used their voices to advocate for the importance of out-of-school time programs at the 2025 California Afterschool and Summer Challenge in Sacramento.  

FACE team members Joel Salazar, Alexis Rivas and Sara Orellana acted as team leaders at the event, providing guidance for afterschool and school-age care professionals. The team also joined in to rally for the value of afterschool programs and met with leaders like Senator Susan Rubio, Senator Sabrina Cervantes, and Assemblymember Robert Garcia.   

Read more about how the FACE team made an impact here. 

Think Together recognized at the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards 2025 

Think Together is proud to announce our partner, AT&T, has been named a nominee at the 2025 LABJ Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards for their transformative work with the online platform, The Achievery. This platform has enhanced digital learning experiences across 175 schools throughout Los Angeles County by equipping students with essential academic and life skills. 

Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Organizational Development Holly Perry was also recognized as a 2025 LABJ Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards nominee. Holly’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding and enhancing Think Together’s programs within Los Angeles County and beyond, creating a culture of innovation that directly benefits the students and communities served. 

Congratulations to Holly and AT&T!

Orange County Business Journal Features Think Together in the 2025 Giving Guide 

Think Together is thrilled to be among the list of over 77 nonprofits in Orange County dedicated to improving our community. The 2025 Giving Guide, created by the Orange County Business Journal, offers a look into the generous work being done by organizations that are creating change and strengthening our community through kindness.  

Thank you, Orange County Business Journal! 

TD Bank Gives Voice to Think Together’s Mission 

In Coachella Valley, I had the privilege of sharing Think Together’s mission with a crowd of 800 top wealth managers at TD Bank. This year’s theme, “Working Together in a Divided World,” resonated greatly with our own goals of partnership, innovation, and excellence. 

A big thank you to TD Bank for giving us a platform to share our story, and for their generous $20,000 donation to help us continue supporting students and their futures. 

Do you have a theme song for your life? America Lowe does, and it reflects how she has dealt with success and challenges as a Site Program Manager at Della S. Lindley Elementary in Palm Springs. After three years at Think Together, America will start the next part of her journey as a Program Quality and Compliance Specialist, where she can contribute on a bigger scale. Read about America’s journey below.

What is your Think Together “why?”

My “why” is to create a safe, supportive space where students can grow. I joined to make a difference beyond the classroom and seeing their progress – big or small – continues — big or small— continues to inspire me every day.

What were some challenges and successes your team faced this past year?

Working with students with disabilities has been a rewarding yet challenging aspect of our work. We often need to tailor our curriculum and instructional strategies to meet their unique learning styles and needs. For example, providing additional one-on-one support, modifying lesson plans and incorporating sensory or behavioral interventions are sometimes necessary. This requires extra coordination among our staff, specialized training and close collaboration with families to ensure that every student feels understood and supported.  We find success through the strong relationships we have built with our local stakeholders and families. Through them, we have enriched our program.

What is your theme song for life and why?

 My theme song is Rise Up by Andra Day. It reminds me to keep pushing through challenges and to lift others up along the way.

 What is one of the most important traits to have when working at Think Together and with your team?

 Collaboration. Working together, sharing ideas and supporting each other helps us create the best experience for our students.

Choose one: binge watch your favorite shows, spend the day doing your favorite workout (bike riding, yoga, CrossFit, etc.) or try out a new restaurant?

I’ll go with binge-watching my favorite shows. There’s nothing better than getting cozy and diving into a good series. One of my favorites is Grey’s Anatomy – I’ve watched it so many times, and it never gets old!

You have recently transitioned from Site Program Manager to Program Quality and Compliance Specialist. What are you most excited about in your new role? 

I’m really excited about the chance to make a difference on a bigger scale. Having worked as a Site Program Manager, I’ve seen what works and what could be improved firsthand. Now, as a Program Quality and Compliance Specialist, I get to bring those insights to all our sites, tweak programs to better support our teams and students, and work with a wider group of people.

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

One student that has really stuck with me is a first grader who struggled with following directions and often became overwhelmed: sometimes running away or shutting down completely. One day during snack time, she refused to follow instructions and ran off. It was a challenging situation, but with patience, teamwork and support from her behavior intervention aide, we were able to ensure her safety and find ways to help her feel more comfortable in the program.

It was a reminder that every child has their own challenges, and sometimes, just having a little extra patience and support can make all the difference

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, especially my kids – they keep me busy and make life fun. I enjoy reading and just relaxing with a good book or movie. I also like trying new restaurants and going on little adventures with my husband whenever we get the chance.

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