Inclusivity: The Key to Pride Month

Schools are communities for students, educators and parents to come together and form a safe place of learning, accepting people of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and many other differences that make us unique and special individuals; everyone is welcomed with open arms.

Pride Month serves as a time to not only spotlight the history and impact of the LGBTQ+ community but also work towards creating a diverse and inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom; a notion that is important to do all year round.

At Think Together we strive to create inclusive spaces for our students that promote a learning and understanding environment. To support students in becoming keen and objective learners, here are some engaging activities students can do inside and outside the classroom to promote inclusivity, belonging and kindness:

Kindergarten to 5th grade

Elementary students are always looking for the next sign of fun, so why not mix in some learning and make it even more meaningful! An idea for inclusive and creative arts and crafts could be to have students draw what their own family looks like. It’ll help them see that not every family is the same and they take many shapes and sizes. Creating their own version of what a pride flag is can help students express their own pride in themselves and what it means to be prideful. Reading them books that promote inclusivity and teach them about what Pride Month is and who it represents, is a good way to help them visualize and understand through literature.

6th grade to 8th grade

Middle school students are in a stage where they are just starting to figure out who the are and are going through changes they might not understand. A way that could help them feel comfortable and supported would be with creating a kindness wall that has positive affirmations for their peers to read and maybe be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. A “Take One, Give One” board is also another way that allows middle schoolers to spread kindness and support by taking a positive affirmation and either giving it to someone or leaving another behind to brighten someone else’s day.

9th grade to 12th grade

High school students can be more expressive and have a set of values and opinions that reflect who they are. High school is a bumpy rollercoaster with college being the next step, so it’s always important to remind students to love and accept themselves. A fun way to help students showcase this is by having them write a love letter to themselves. It helps them develop their creative writing skills and uplift their self-esteem. It could be a letter to their future self, past self, or a thank you for all they’ve accomplished.  It’s also important to teach high school students how to be an ally for the community and have social awareness of who those around them. It can prevent bullying and encourage empathy and compassion for their peers.

Learn more about how to make the classroom and home a more inclusive environment with these links!

Kaiser Permanente has provided Think Together with $129,500 in grant funding to train staff in trauma-informed care strategies at programs across the Bay Area, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Fe Springs, and the Inland Empire.

Through the grants, more than 10,000 students at 133 schools will benefit from trained staff equipped to support them in their emotional and cognitive development. By creating a trauma-informed care environment, Think Together helps students and teachers overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. This new-found awareness will improve student academic performance and prepare them for higher education.

Trauma-informed care in a school setting addresses the needs of students who may be at risk for experiencing traumatic stress symptoms and shifts the focus from “what’s wrong with you” to “what happened to you.” Training in trauma-informed care enables staff to see a more complete picture of a student’s life situation, which leads to more effective, targeted solutions.

Studies of U.S youths aged 6-17 reveal that one in six experience a mental health disorder each year, and half of all mental health conditions begin at age 14. The most common of these are ADHD, depression, anxiety, and behavior problems. Many conditions go undiagnosed, and only half of those experiencing them are seeking or receiving treatment.

This trauma-informed care training has already had positive effects on students across each region.  Staff and students alike have learned the value of mindful moments and meditation activities, and staff members report that students are applying skills they learned in class to their daily lives, from identifying the signs that they may be struggling to the use of breathing exercises to re-center themselves.

Daniel Hernandez, a Bay Area staff member, shared,

“After the classes, my team and I became more intentional with our daily check-ins. Before we would ask students how they were doing every morning and left it at that. Since the classes, we ask why they are feeling happy, sad, or excited. They have opened up more since then and they have become more comfortable sharing over the last few weeks.”

The program is especially helpful for students who are more energetic and those with special needs. The inclusion integrated into each program allows it to be universal and helpful to all. These students were encouraged to ask for breaks from activities or the classroom when the environment would be too much to handle.

Another Bay Area staff member, Brook, said, “We were able to get our students to be more in tune with learning how to communicate their feelings. They now feel more comfortable approaching staff with questions or concerns. They also are learning how to better adjust to the learning curve that was brought with COVID.”

The program has been hit with the students as well. “I love the fidget toys! I sometimes don’t even realize I’m playing with it while doing my work and it helps me concentrate,” said JL, a student from the Bay Area program.

At the conclusion of the training, reports reveal that site leaders and staff being allowed to establish closer and deeper relationships with their students made it easier to connect with them.

Thank you to Kaiser Permanente Fontana, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park, Kaiser Permanente Riverside, Kaiser Permanente San Jose and Kaiser Permanente Alameda for helping us fund these vital programs!

To learn more about Trauma-Informed care and mental health in schools visit:

https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/what-is-trauma-informed-care/

https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Improving-Health/Mental-Health-in-Schools

Meet Joanna Ahimeyes, program leader at California Elementary in the Orange Unified School District. A former teacher, Joanna uses her knowledge as an education professional to benefit the 4th grade students at California Elementary after school.  

Joanna embodies the mission of Think Together by cultivating a fun and respectful space for her students to learn and grow every day. She does this with an emphasis on social emotional supports like daily check-ins and facilitating group conversations about “filling each other’s buckets” with encouragement and accolades. We are pleased to give you the opportunity to learn more about Joanna. 

Students work at desks on tablets in a bright classroom while a teacher assists in the background.
What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here?  

I was inspired to work at Think Together, because when I was a teacher, Think Together was at my school. I was so impressed with the program and wanted to be a part of it! 

What is one thing you are proud of your students accomplishing this school year? 

The students are doing amazing on the program i-Ready. They all work hard, and the challenges have been minimal. There have been many more successes to share. 

Is there a student story that has stuck with you? 

All the students are unique! They all have many wonderful stories to share. One day, I was speaking with a student, and she told me how she takes care of her mom. Her mom has an infection in her arm and needs IV treatments. I was so impressed at how caring and kind this student is, and though she has older siblings she is the one who cares for her mother and does so with pleasure! I love these kids! 

A Think Together instructor smiles while talking to a young student during a classroom activity.
What are your favorite Social Emotional Learning routines you have in place with your students?  

The students are free to share what they are feeling at any time, and we do a group “check-in” daily. If they are struggling, I make sure they know they can talk to us confidentially. 

What do you hope that your students take with them as they finish the school year? 

I hope that the students remember to be responsible and respectful in their everyday lives. 

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

I hope to grow as an education professional and gain more responsibilities in my role. 

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work, I try to be active by going for daily walks, paddle boarding, and beach yoga. I am also working on a book. I plan on being a published author within the next two years. 

This April, Think Together announced the three Faces of the Future Scholarship awardees at its Raise A Hand For Education Benefit. Thanks to funding from Pioneer Circuits Inc. Think Together was able to award a $10,000 scholarship to Abraham, $7,500 to Liliana, and $5,000 scholarship to Aaron. In addition to the scholarship, each recipient received a MacBook Air and a backpack to help prepare them for college.

We had the opportunity to sit down with these amazing young scholars who are ready to enter the next stage of their education.

Meet Abraham 

Abraham has been a part of the Think Together program at Compton High School for the last two years. During his time in program, he was a student leader and helped recruit students to the program. Abraham has many accomplishments, including hosting executives from The Boeing Company for a school visit and being a tour guide for special events. Additionally, last fall he coordinated a Wellness Fair for Think Together’s annual Lights On Afterschool celebration.  

Abraham shared, “There’s not a day when I don’t look forward to coming to Think Together and spending all my time here. It’s a place that has always felt so welcoming and a place I could call a second home. I love the activities, the staff, and the rest of the students.” Abraham will attend the prestigious Jackson State University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. He aspires to become a musician!

Learn more about Abraham by watching this video:

YouTube player
Meet Liliana 

Liliana stumbled upon Think Together’s online flyer for West Valley High School’s Hack Club during the school’s lockdown in 2020. After attending the information meeting, Liliana found her place! Liliana shared, “Think Together was all about letting the students take charge and making the club what we wanted it to be; I was dumbfounded. I realized that what they were doing wasn’t something I have been involved with before, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

With the leadership skills Liliana established through Think Together’s afterschool program, she discovered her interest in STEM. Liliana will be attending the University of California, San Diego to study biomedical engineering. Her hope is to provide accessible medical equipment to underserved communities.

Learn more about Liliana by watching this video:

YouTube player
Meet Aaron

It wasn’t until Aaron entered PUC Triumph Charter High School that he met site coordinator Rey, who handed him an application to sign up for Think Together. Since then, Aaron recounts that he kept coming back to Think Together for the resources, the comradery, the support from the staff, and the amazing clubs. Aaron shared, “There was a cooking club, hosted by coach Alex…coach Alex taught me the basics, such as how to crack an egg and how to make sushi.”

Aaron will proudly graduate as a straight A student because of the support from Think Together’s homework club. He has been accepted to many of colleges and universities, but Aaron hopes to attend his top choice, The University of Wisconsin. He plans to major in Aerospace Engineering, and ultimately receive a master’s degree one day.

Learn more about Aaron by watching this video:

YouTube player

The sun was out, and the weather was perfect at the Whittier Narrows Golf Course, as Think Together students had the unique opportunity to learn the game of golf. Eighteen Think Together middle school students from the Bassett Unified School District and South Whitter School District participated in a golf clinic thanks to the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation and the LA84 Foundation on Saturday, April 15.

Through sustainable grants from the LA84 Foundation, Think Together has expanded sports to every middle school program across Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, giving more than 7,000 students at 88 schools the opportunity to engage in sports.

To start the clinic, students gathered in a circle for an icebreaker with their golf instructors for the day. Students were introduced to the fundamentals of golf, such as correct stance and how to hold a golf club. Next, students participated in the standard golf stretches and warmups to relax the muscles. Students were grouped evenly and took turns going to different stations where a golf coach would teach them one of the three main golfing techniques: driving, shipping, and putting.

On the driving range, students got firsthand instruction to practice their ‘fore’ from Andy, an SCGA Junior coach. Andy demonstrated the proper form and technique to hit the golf ball off a tee. The students watched in awe as Andy put his golf ball into the clouds with his professional swing.

While the students practiced their swing, Andy shared his hopes the new golfing students would learn from the experience, “I’m hoping they develop a lifelong love for the game because it’s not a very popular sport, for younger kids. But I’m hoping that they kind of understand a little bit more and are attracted to it.”

Before the event, Think Together student, Stephen shared how difficult golf will be for him on a scale of 1 to 10. “I would say a six, because like I never went golfing on a general golf course, and I don’t know the basics of golf.”

The students saw firsthand the challenges of hitting a ball correctly, but with guidance and help from the coaches, they were able to achieve a clean swing. Their faces lit up with excitement every time they swung and watched the ball fly. The students rose to the challenge making the reward worth the hard work.

The second skill that students learned with another coach was chipping. Students were managed by SCGA Junior coach Alexis. Here, she taught the students how to chip a golf ball and had them play a game of battlefield to test their newly found skill. The green was covered in groups of hula hoops in various colors that Alexis deemed as “battleships”. Students needed to successfully chip one golf ball into each hula hoop of the battleship to sink the battleship. The students carefully swung to find the perfect balance between speed and direction to chip their ball into a hula hoop.

Alexis shared, “Golf is fun, especially once you get the hang of it. It’s a very love-hate story where one day you’re on top of the world. The next day you are at the bottom, but when you’re on the top, it feels amazing and just knowing like, this is, fun. You can do this. And I belong here.”

As the students collected the balls from the green, Alexis expressed she would never have expected in middle school that she would one day be a golf instructor. As a former Think Together student, she had the opportunity to try a variety of sports like soccer, football, and volleyball. Alexis had the opportunity to try golfing outside of school and was thrilled to see that Think Together was able to offer this experience to the next generation.

Students and instructors gather outdoors on a golf course for a sunny day of learning and practice.
A golf instructor demonstrates a swing at the driving range as students watch attentively nearby.

The third and final technique that was practiced was putting. It was in this area that students were introduced to the putter, proper gripping form, and finally the putting stroke. Lastly, students put their new knowledge into practice with a friendly game of tic-tac-toe. Students would putt their balls into a different space on a tic-tac-toe grid and get three in a row to win.

The clinic concluded with lunch where the students shared their challenges and successes of the day. Reflecting on the day of golfing, seventh-grade student Arianna shared, “I never really thought of playing golf ever. And coming out here it was completely different. I was like, oh, it’s interesting. So, I tried.”

Think Together is grateful to the LA84 Foundation, SCGA Junior Foundation, and the Whittier Narrows Golf Course for giving kids the opportunity to try new things.

Adolescence is often remembered as a time of being an adventurous youth, but it’s also a time when young adults sharpen the skills and behaviors that they will take with them into adulthood.   

According to the World Health Organization, “One in seven, 10–19-year-olds experience mental health conditions,” meaning that 14% of adolescents are likely to have struggled with conditions like anxiety and depression.    

Mental health concerns post-pandemic, especially related to anxiety, depression, and isolation, have skyrocketed in youth who spent critical development years at home. Helping support students through social and emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed care and sharing resources for additional support out of school can make a difference. It is crucial as a society that we equip young people with the right tools and skills to prioritize their emotional well-being and offer them a space to turn to if they need help. SEL helps students manage their emotions, create healthy behavior, and allows them to reach their goals, which is why making mental health a priority in learning is so important.   

Think Together has made it a priority to implement a range of social and emotional curriculum in our programs to make sure students feel supported and know they are never alone.  

A peek behind the curriculum curtain 

Think Together is more than a place for academic support after school. It’s a safe space for kids and teens to feel a sense of belonging, while learning and exploring the world around them.   

For younger Think Together students, we utilize Mind-Up curriculum which focuses on being mindful instead of mind-full. These activities take students through a series of activities that utilize YouTube videos, group activities, and self-reflection in order to aid students in building emotional wellness.  

Every Monday Matters focuses on reminding teens how much they matter to their friends, community, and most importantly themselves. The main goal is to offer support to youth as they navigate their teen years and continue to grow in a safe environment like Think Together.   

These programs are implemented to keep adolescent mental health at the forefront of learning and be a safe harbor for students to turn to when they are struggling academically, physically, or mentally.   

Putting lessons into practice 

Here are a few healthy ways to keep your mental wellness in check.  

  • Talk to a friend or parent: The human mind can be overwhelming which is why it can be cathartic to lean on friends, family, or a third party to work through your thoughts and ease your mind.  
  • Practice self-care: This can be taking care of your mind through mindfulness exercises. Self-care can also be going for a walk-in nature or dancing to your favorite song.  Focus on what will benefit your mind, body, and soul.  
  • Create a “Peace Area”: Find or create an area that is meant for rebuilding your mental stamina and decompressing. An area where you can do calming activities such as reading a book or listening to music and relax without outside distractions.   
  • Channel your energy into a different outlet: Find a way to put your energy into things that make you happy and offer an outlet to express yourself. This can be painting, writing, sports, or even an anime club that helps express your emotions, so it isn’t bottled up.  
  • Reset your routine: A routine can be the perfect kind of structure to help balance and organize life. Sometimes a routine can create a sense of normalcy and security. But if a routine is the cause of poor mental health, then switch it up to break away from a tedious and repetitious cycle. Figure out what works in your life and a balance will soon follow.  

The mental health journey is often one you face alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out to these help hotlines below to get additional support.  

HELP HOTLINES: 

Mental Health Emergency Hotline: 988 

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI or text ‘HELPLINE’ to 62640 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK 

Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-366-8288 

For five years, The Boeing Company and Think Together have changed the odds for kids by coming together to provide students with STEM programs. Because of their continued support for students, Think Together has awarded Boeing the “Champion of Change” award at our annual fundraising event, Raise A Hand. The award recognizes Boeing’s dedication to furthering students’ educational opportunities and inspiring them to seek careers in STEM.

Freshmen students, Ahmahd and Noemi who’ve been part of Think Together since middle school, are prime examples of what Boeing’s STEM programs do for students. Ahmahd and Noemi started a STEM focused club at their school- a Think Together Drone Club.

The club gives students the opportunity to code their own flight paths, flip and take photos with the drones. Students are able to learn many new skills that can be applied to their higher education and gives them a taste of what a career in a STEM related field might look like.

Ahmahd hopes to apply the skills he’s learned as leader of the Drone Club to strive for a career in filmmaking. He shares that he’s mastered strong hand-eye coordination, communication skills, and coding through the club.

Noemi hopes to pursue a STEM career and hopefully continue working with drones. She has a passion for building something with code and overcoming the obstacles that follow.

“I like when I have a problem that I’m working on and I have to think really hard about it. There’s a saying that says like, ‘the environment you’re in makes you the person you are,’” Noemi says. “This environment, I think, is very happy, and we’re all supportive of each other and the things that we do. So, I love to be in this environment.”

Think Together is grateful for The Boeing Company’s continued investments in our STEM programming.

YouTube player

Think Together CEO, Randy Barth, said “Boeing is a shining example of a company that truly cares about the education and well-being of our youth. Their dedication to creating opportunities for students to learn and grow is truly inspiring, and we are honored to recognize them as a Champion of Change awardee.”

Through Think Together’s Coding for All initiative, Boeing has allocated over $400,000 for STEM programming which supports visual and text-based code editing, rapid-prototyping, STEM career explorations, Invention Adventures activities, and Hack Clubs.

“We are honored to receive this award and proud to be recognized for our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of young people,” said Cheri Carter, Vice President of Boeing Global Engagement. “We believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of future generations, and we are committed to working with organizations like Think Together to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Boeing’s STEM investments impact Think Together students all throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County, serving 3,600 students annually across 46 schools.

Think Together partners with Boeing to provide STEM, coding and robotics programs to afterschool and expanded learning programs to more than 12,000 students in Los Angeles and Orange counties. 

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 24, 2023) Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, is proud to award The Boeing Company with its Champion of Change Award at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event Raise A Hand For Education Benefit being held on April 21 at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.

This award recognizes companies that have made significant contributions to the education and development of Think Together students. Over its five-year partnership with Think Together, Boeing has committed more than $500,000 for STEM programming and has recently expanded its reach to include students throughout Think Together’s Los Angeles and Orange County middle schools, totaling more than 12,000 students, across 46 elementary, middle and high schools.

“We are honored to receive this award and proud to be recognized for our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of young people,” said Cheri Carter, Vice President of Boeing Global Engagement. “We believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of future generations, and we are committed to working with organizations like Think Together to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Through Boeing’s grants, students are provided instruction in introductory coding, robotics, and logic through its Coding For All initiative and other expanded learning and enrichment curriculums. Programming supported by Coding For All includes visual and text-based code editing, rapid-prototyping, STEM career explorations, Invention Adventures activities, and Hack Clubs throughout Los Angeles county as well as Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Alameda and Santa Clara counties.

Think Together CEO, Randy Barth, said “Boeing is a shining example of a company that truly cares about the education and well-being of our youth. Their dedication to creating opportunities for students to learn and grow is truly inspiring, and we are honored to recognize them as a Champion of Change awardee.”

Boeing has long been a leader in corporate social responsibility and has made a significant impact in the education of young people through their partnership with Think Together. The company’s dedication to providing resources, mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities has helped to improve educational outcomes and increase the number of students who are college and career ready.

# # #

About Think Together

Think Together partners with schools and communities to pursue educational equity 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. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.

About The Boeing Company

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com. 

Think Together is proud to name Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) as one of its Champion of Change award recipients.  

In a reception that brought together district administrators, principals and Think Together leaders, Azusa Unified was recognized as a school district that fights for students’ academic and social growth, builds trust within the community, and continues to change the odds for kids. 

Think Together has spent the last fifteen years working with AUSD to offer students transitional programs to aid their academic achievements. This includes supporting students through all stages of life, beginning with transitional kindergarten and continuing through elementary and middle school, and high school programs. 

Just this past spring break, nearly 450 students in nine of the district’s elementary schools participated in full day expanded learning camps. Students in TK-6 grades participated in STEAM-focused lessons, giving them access to college and career pathways in the science and technology fields. 

Alejandra Madrigal is a working mom of two daughters enrolled in Think Together. To the Madrigal family, the program is a place for the girls to broaden their social skills and reach new academic milestones.  

“It’s so great to have caring people, caring for my family, my daughters, and it just makes me happy that I can go to work and feel safe that they are in a safe space,” shared Alejandra. “I’m just so extremely happy to have this program here with Azusa Unified.”  

Thank you to Azusa Unified School District for your continued partnership, Think Together is proud to recognize you as a Champion of Change.

YouTube player

Think Together and Azusa Unified School District have partnered since 2007 serving up to 6,800 students across 15 schools including nine elementary schools, three middle schools, one K-8 and two high schools.

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 18, 2023) Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, is proud to announce it has awarded Azusa Unified School District with its Champion of Change Award at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising eventRaise A Hand For Education Benefit.

This award recognizes school district partners that have made significant contributions to the education and development of Think Together students. Over its 15-year partnership with Think Together, Azusa Unified has worked with Think Together to offer students and families an array of expanded learning services from early learning to high school programs, academic support to athletics and beyond.

“We are proud to recognize Azusa Unified School District as our Champion of Change because of their exemplary focus on the needs of their students, both during the school day and outside of it,” said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. “By placing their students front and center, they are ensuring that their academic success and personal growth are prioritized from an early age until long after they graduate.”

Azusa Unified offers expanded learning programs to each of its 6,800 students free of charge by tapping into a range of funding streams including, but not limited to, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) grants. Think Together partners with districts like Azusa Unified to offer families a variety of programs that fit their unique needs.

“Think Together has been an instrumental partner in providing expanded learning opportunities to our students. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to educational equity and access. This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of our school community and the work we do to support the academic success of our students,” said Azusa Unified School District Superintendent Arturo Ortega.

Think Together recognized Azusa Unified in a celebration on April 18. The event was held as one of several Raise A Hand For Education Benefit events this spring to support Think Together expanded learning programs across the state.

# # #

About Think Together

Think Together partners with schools and communities to pursue educational equity 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. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.

Programs
Get Involved
Donate