Launching the Leaders of Tomorrow with the 2026 Beyond Think Together Scholarship 

For the second year, Think Together is jump-starting 10 high school seniors’ college careers with a $3,000 scholarship, made possible by the 2026 Beyond Think Together Scholarship. Awarded to older youth enrolled in Think Together’s high school programs, the scholarships recognize students who have built strong connections to Think Together’s expanded learning programs and thrived through the guidance they received.

In 2025, Think Together served over 9,000 high school students across 32 school sites in California. Through programs such as driver’s education, financial literacy and WREP (Workforce Readiness Education Program), students are gaining well-rounded skills and hands-on experience specifically designed to prepare them for the future.  

With scholarships like the 2026 Beyond Think Together Scholarship, Think Together is proud to continue investing in students beyond the classroom, inspiring the next generation of changemakers as they take the next step toward their future goals.

Learn more about these students and be inspired by their stories told in their own words below.

Yvan Derek  

“I am where I stand today because of the life-changing program I decided to join my freshman year, which was Think Together. The staff members have supported me all the way, offering guidance, encouragement and opportunities that pushed me to do things I never thought I could achieve.” 

Yvan was also a recipient last year of Think Together’s Flight to the Future scholarship, which gives high school juniors a chance to travel to their dream college anywhere in the country. Yvan is set to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the fall and pursue a degree in Biology.  

Paris 

“Transitioning into high school was difficult for me. The Think Together staff welcomed me and helped me adjust to my [new] space. They seemingly knew how to approach each student and help them flourish individually. Over time, Think Together became family.”

Looking forward, Paris will be paving their own way at the University of California, Riverside for the upcoming school year and has an interest in Animal Science.

Moisés

“The Think Together program has played an important role in my experience as a student by giving me stability, motivation and support during some of the most challenging years of my life. What started as something practical became something meaningful. Just as Think Together gave me support and direction, I want to give that same kind of impact to others.”

Moisés will continue his studies at California State University San Marcos, where he plans to study to become a history teacher.

Ciara 

“Joining Think Together was never just about having something to do afterschool. It was a space where I could grow academically and personally while also being surrounded by people who cared about my success. Think Together gave me mentorship and a sense of belonging.”

Big things are ahead for Ciara as she pursues her dream of becoming a cardiac surgeon. She plans to attend California State University, Fullerton before transferring to New York University. Ciara also received Think Together’s 2025 Flight to the Future scholarship, which allowed her to visit NYU and instantly connect with the campus. 

Rosie

“Think Together leaders at my site made a huge impact on my experience as a student. They never made me feel like an outsider, which meant a lot during a really difficult time in my life. Think Together showed me how much a safe, supportive space can change someone’s life, and I want to be part of creating that for others.”

In honor of her late parents, Rosie is pursuing a future in the medical field, following in her father’s footsteps. She will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles.

Samuel

“Through Think Together’s support, I was able to overcome being evicted with my family in the middle of my junior year. Think Together helped me learn that I can guarantee my future after high school by exploring and sticking with a career that I can feel both passionate and financially supported by.” 

After stepping into the role of head of household at a young age, Samuel is ready for his next chapter as a student at Los Angeles Mission College. He plans to transfer to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona to major in Construction Engineering and Management.  

Karyme

“What started as staying late because my mom wouldn’t let me walk home alone became four years of growth and mentorship. I want to be the kind of adult who notices when someone’s overwhelmed and sits down next to them the way my Think Together leaders did for me.”  

Karyme is Trojan-bound for the University of Southern California in the fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in environmental health and public policy. 

Joe

“Growing up with Think Together since I was ten years old, I have seen how resources and guidance can shape a student’s path. Think Together did not simply support me in school. It showed me that intentional investment in youth can be accomplished, and I hope to carry that forward into my future endeavors.”

A bright future awaits Joe at San Diego State University in coming school year, where he plans to major in either political science or economics. 

Michelle

“Being part of the student leadership group within Think Together has taught me the importance of inclusivity and how one event can push a student outside their comfort zone, resulting in outgoing and thriving spirits. Think Together has shown me the power of community and opportunity, which I plan to carry on into my future.”  

With her sights set on becoming a pediatrician, Michelle will be a Bruin next school year at the University of California, Los Angeles.  

Camila

“As a first-generation student raised by a single immigrant mother, I learned early on that strength comes in many forms. It was difficult navigating high school without a parent who had experience with the college application process, so Think Together became a place where I could receive guidance. It played a major role in helping me maintain my academic success and sports participation.” 

Determined to break down barriers, Camila has a goal to become a pediatric nurse and then work her way up to a nurse practitioner. She will be attending Azusa Pacific University in the fall.

Think Together is honored to help light the path for these remarkable students, and so many others it serves, celebrating their achievements, ambitions, and everything they are set to accomplish next. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 

At Think Together, we believe the sky’s the limit for our students. In partnership with Boeing, K-12 students at 72 Think Together sites are exploring new possibilities through the expansion of STEM and the Workforce Readiness and Employment Program (WREP). This seven-year collaboration has resulted in more than $700,000 in funding for STEM, coding and robotics programs, including new STEM and WREP programs in Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro region. 

For students like Alex, a 10th grader from Discovery Charter Preparatory School in Think Together’s LA Metro region, participating in the STEM and WREP programs has helped him gain skills and confidence in a field he has long dreamed of pursuing. Inspired by his father, an engineer, and supported by Think Together staff, Alex is learning how he can make these dreams a reality. 

“Boeing has helped me discover new STEM careers that I could potentially go into,” Alex said. “I’ve been able to grow my creativity and other skills, which I really like. The WREP program has also helped me better understand how to achieve these goals by showing me how to build a resume and what kinds of jobs to look for.” 

Starting this year, Think Together sites across Los Angeles and Orange counties will receive additional access to new technology equipment, giving students opportunities to engage in high-quality STEM learning. These experiences support critical skill development and allow students to explore career pathways in aeronautical engineering, computer science, applied technology and other STEM fields. 

According to Worldmetrics, STEM employment is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, compared with 6% for all occupations. Despite this growth, women hold only 28% of STEM jobs, while minorities represent 17% of the STEM workforce. 

As a young woman interested in a STEM career, 10^th grader Aida is grateful for her WREP program for laying down the foundation on how she can achieve her goals. 

“I really want to become a veterinarian, and being in the WREP program has really helped me find my way,” said Aida. “I’ve learned what would be the best courses to take, who to talk to and how to do more research to pursue this career.” 

Experiences like Alex and Aida’s highlight how the program is helping students turn aspirations into actionable plans for their futures, something Think Together staff members are seeing firsthand. 

“The STEM resources that Boeing provides are critical,” said Sarah Cooper, a Think Together older youth leader. “Not only do they expose students to career opportunities, but they also build confidence. Students begin to see how they can advocate for themselves and make an impact in the world.”  

By joining forces with Boeing, Think Together can engage students of all grades and backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to discover how they can become innovators that can change the world. These efforts are not only helping young leaders reach new heights but also equipping them with the tools to engineer successful futures. 

At Think Together, the learning never stops after the final school bell rings, and it doesn’t always happen inside the four walls of a classroom. Sometimes learning transpires onto the soccer field, under the warm sun, with the soft grass under students’ shoes and a goal in sight.

This is what is unfolding through Think Together’s partnership with Street Soccer USA (SSUSA). It’s a meaningful collaboration that’s turning afterschool time into a space where students across Southern California can get their bodies moving and build their teamwork skills with confidence.

“The partnership with Think Together has been a great fit and alignment with what our organization is working to achieve,” said Luca Marton, Managing Director of SSUSA for Los Angeles. “A major factor in the success of an organization like Street Soccer USA is being able to offer a variety of programs across different environments. So free to play programs in the communities but also reaching so many more kids through afterschool partners like Think Together.”

Think Together and SSUSA serve 1,200 students across 30 school sites in over 4 school districts in Southern California with engaging soccer programming that creates a purposeful space for young minds to thrive.

Recently this year in April, SSUSA broadened Think Together students’ access to quality soccer programming in ways that extended far beyond weekly sessions.

That expanded access came to life in South Gate, where Think Together joined Paramount Unified School District, Visa, SSUSA, and Bank of America to celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new Visa Street Soccer Park and learning center at Hollydale Park. Students from the neighboring school, Hollydale Elementary in Paramount Unified, were invited to join the celebration and were among the first to step onto the fresh turf.

That momentum continued later that month at Street Soccer’s LA Cup in downtown Los Angeles at LA LIVE, where around 90 Think Together students from Paramount, El Rancho, Bellflower, and Bassett school districts competed in a high-energy, one-day soccer tournament. Think Together was the exclusive expanded learning partner invited by SSUSA, with winning teams receiving trophies from representatives of Borussia Dortmund, a renowned European soccer club.

“As a parent, I truly appreciate the opportunities Think Together has to offer to my child. This event at LA LIVE is so good for them to experience new things,” said a Think Together parent from Paramount Unified. “I would have never imagined that my child would ever get to play in a place like this, so I am very excited!”

At its core, the partnership between Think Together and SSUSA is about providing students with access to explore new interests and opportunities they may not otherwise experience at no cost. It also reflects the power of a meaningful, mission-driven collaboration rooted in trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for students across California.

Looking ahead, Street Soccer USA is preparing to take 15 Think Together students to the World Cup games this summer in Los Angeles, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to serve as player mascots, escorting professional soccer players onto the field at this historic event.

As the partnership continues to grow, there are also plans to begin expanding this work into Think Together’s Northern California region, reaching even more students.

“Every time my team gets together to play, we create more chemistry and improve our communication. We pass the ball better, engage so much more and our energy just builds up,” said student Abraham, whose team played at the LA LIVE tournament. “Sports are basically what hold me together, so if I didn’t have sports, I’d probably just be at home.”

Read more about Think Together’s enrichment accelerator offerings.

Every student deserves a fair chance at an education. For Melissa Zepeda, Student Data Quality & Compliance Specialist I for the Riverside Northeast region, that belief is more than an idea. It is what has guided her 12-year career at Think Together.

Today, Melissa supports teams and students behind the scenes through collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to data accuracy.

The “Why” Behind It All

Melissa’s family, especially her siblings, has always been her biggest motivation. Growing up, Melissa and her older brother took on the responsibility of supporting their younger brother’s education because they wanted him to have the same opportunities as anyone else.

That experience shaped a belief she still carries today: Every student, no matter their background, deserves a fair chance at an education. Though she no longer works directly with students at a site. Melissa says that purpose continues to guide her work.

Melissa credits much of her mindset from her parents, who began working at a young age to support their own families. Their work ethic and determination to build a better future left a lasting impression on her.

Her mom’s advice especially stayed with her: “Hay una solución para todo, menos la muerte,” (“There’s nothing that can’t be fixed, except death”).

That perspective helped shape Melissa’s solution-oriented mindset and belief in encouraging others through challenges. Working in education has always been a passion for Melissa. She joined Think Together in 2014 as a Program Leader and immediately connected with the organization’s mission and commitment to students. Over the years, she took on different roles across the organization, but one thing stayed consistent: Think Together always felt like home.

How Melissa Cultivates Success

Melissa believes success starts with practicing open communication and creating a positive team culture. She leads with what she calls an “open cubicle” policy, encouraging site staff to easily reach out with questions or concerns. That openness also allows her to proactively support teams whenever she notices data discrepancies or challenges.

Recognition is equally important to Melissa’s leadership approach. She makes it a point to recognize the sites’ hard work and consistency, especially during their monthly regional meetings. She says that balance of support and recognition helps create a sense of accountability, friendly competition, and more importantly, helps teams stay motivated and take pride in their growth.

Melissa’s Guide to Collaboration and Data

Melissa’s priority is ensuring the data shared internally and externally is accurate and reliable. She audits site attendance and reviews attendance packets weekly to quickly identify and correct any discrepancies. This consistency has helped her region maintain a strong record, with zero missing or past-due packets.

Beyond the technical side of her role, Melissa collaborates closely with Executive Directors, Associate Directors, and Program Quality Compliance Specialists to help regions meet deadlines ahead of organization-wide timelines. She also hosts weekly open office hours where site teams can answer questions and receive support on challenges with attendance packets. For Melissa, her work goes beyond numbers and charts. It’s about helping teams stay aligned and equipped to serve students well.

She says curiosity, patience, and communication are some of the most important skills that make her effective in her role.

“Being willing to ask questions is essential, especially when something doesn’t look right,” she shared.

Most Memorable

Some of Melissa’s favorite memories at Think Together center creating fun and meaningful experiences for students.

One of her favorites was organizing a production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas two years in a row. It was truly a team effort. Students performed in the cast, designed decorations for the play, and families helped create costumes. For Melissa, it became a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.

Another memory that stayed with her involved a student who struggled academically and lacked confidence in herself. Melissa intentionally paired her with a Junior Program Leader to create a more encouraging environment. Over time, she watched the students begin to complete her homework more consistently and slowly participate more in activities. Most importantly, the student gained confidence in learning and growing.

One moment Melissa still remembers was when the student excitedly shared that her grades had improved.

“Seeing her believe in herself again was something I’ll never forget,” shared Melissa.

Beyond the Role

Melissa pours into her day-to-day work and uses her spare time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. But if it is an especially long and hectic week, you can find Melissa rewatching old 90’s TV shows. Her two favorites right now are The Nanny and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and she tends to go back and forth between them. Depending on the show, she likes to make it a fully cozy night in with her comfiest pajamas, a heated blanket, and her favorite snacks. She usually goes for Flamin’ Hot Fritos or peanut M&Ms, and sometimes popcorn for that sweet-and-salty mix. If she is really decompressing, she’ll throw in a glass of wine. It’s my way of unwinding and fully relaxing after a long day.

Outside of that, she really enjoys spending time with family and friends, whether that’s just hanging out or catching up. She also likes taking time to pamper herself by going out to eat, and when she can, traveling or getting out of town. Those moments help her balance out her routine and recharge in different ways.

Through four different Think Together roles, balancing data and compliance reports, and a few Christmas plays, Melissa has Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos (DTMF) as the soundtrack to her life. For her, it reflects on those moments spent with loved ones, being so present and caught up in the experience that you forget to take photos, only to later wish you had those memories captured. Family means a lot to Melissa, and this song really resonates with that feeling. It also brings up emotions around remembering people who are no longer here and appreciating the time we had with them. It’s a reminder for her to be more present and intentional in the moments she is living now.

“Find a career you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life!”

This belief led Anareli Esparza to pursue a career in education and eventually step into her role as a Program Leader in the Riverside Southwest region. Over the past three years, Anareli has built strong school partnerships and continues to find daily inspiration from her students’ smiles.

Get to know Anareli below.

Anareli’s Start

Growing up, Anareli always dreamed of becoming a teacher. While life took her in a different direction, that passion never left. As a stay-at-home mom, Anareli would ask her kids about their school day. Through that conversation, she learned about Think Together. Her kids were actively involved and loved the different activities and opportunities it offered.

Hearing their positive experiences sparked something. Anareli applied for a Program Leader role, combining her love for working with children with the chance to create meaningful learning experiences for other students, just like the ones her own kids had.

How Anareli Creates Success

In this line of work, success is not always measured in obvious ways. For Anareli, it shows up in her students’ joy.

She recalls a trip to the Griffith Observatory where her students experienced something new and exciting. They learned so much and they were all smiling from ear to ear as they were leaving. The bus ride home was filled with fun retellings of the day and huge smiles. For Anareli, moments like these are the clearest sign she is making an impact.

Her work has not gone unnoticed. Teachers at Pedley Elementary have reached out to Riverside leadership to recognize her contributions and dedication. When asked what drives strong school partnerships, Anareli keeps it simple: respect.

“I always want them [the school staff] to know that Think Together respects their school and their space,” she shares.

She leads with professionalism, positivity, and most importantly, a positive attitude! Keeping the school spaces clean and making sure students prioritize this as well is the reason why Padley Elementary loves Anareli. Her connection with students is just as strong. When she takes a day off, it is felt. For many students, it’s just not the same without Mrs. Esparza!

Outside of work

Outside the program, Anareli enjoys spending time with her family, often visiting theme parks, with Disneyland as a favorite. On a simple day, you can find Anareli at Cold Stone with her kids, enjoying coffee ice cream with brownies and roasted almonds.