Celebrating Pride Month

As educators, we all have the responsibility to ensure that everyone feels accepted no matter their race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world.

One of Think Together’s primary focuses in our programs is Social-Emotional Learning, which teaches students to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Social and emotional learning doesn’t stop once we are out of school; it is continuous learning and understanding other people’s perspectives, and accepting differences.

Join us this month in learning more, becoming better allies and cultivating safe and inclusive spaces for all. The resources below are a great start.

Since March 2020, when California schools were mandated to continue instruction using distance learning, Broadcom Inc. and Think Together have collaborated to help bridge the digital divide for under-resourced students across California. Recently, 25 students at Roosevelt Elementary School in Compton received laptops, marking 600 digital devices total donated to Think Together staff and students in Los Angeles County and beyond since schools closed their doors to in-person learning due to the pandemic one year ago.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Think Together pivoted to provide virtual expanded learning programs to 150,000 youth including students experiencing homelessness, in foster care and children of essential workers across California, and this would not have been possible without Broadcom’s donation of nearly 600 laptops,” said Randy Barth, CEO and founder at Think Together. “Our collaboration with Broadcom allows us to provide students in Compton and throughout the state with the tools and support needed to succeed.”

This year, Think Together honored Broadcom with its “Champion of Change” award at our Raise a Hand 2021 virtual event which recognizes an outstanding partner dedicated to changing the odds for kids. Broadcom has been recognized for helping Think Together and its school district partners across California meet this moment through transformational support of student programs in the areas of technology and innovation. Since the start of its partnership in 2018, Think Together and Broadcom have distributed nearly 2,000 laptop devices to students across the state.

“Broadcom’s in-kind contribution of computers has always been important, but now it is essential,” said Paula Golden, president of Broadcom Foundation. “The pandemic requires that every child have access to computer technology remotely if they are to stay current with the education priorities of their family and their schools. Broadcom Foundation and Broadcom in collaboration with Think Together make it possible for young people to stay engaged in STEM education and other important classroom teachings.”

Compton Unified School District (CUSD), which includes Roosevelt Elementary School, was the first Think Together school district partner to work with the organization to operate in-person learning hubs. These in-person hubs were designed to support students with limited access to technology at home and provide a safe and stable learning environment and much-needed academic support.

The laptops will aid Think Together students at Roosevelt Elementary School and will provide students with technology to support their academic achievements as they engage in the organization’s interactive STEM programs including coding and robotics.

“Having access to learning technology has been critical now more than ever, with the onset of the pandemic. Whether learning in person or virtually, our students deserve to have access to quality learning, quality after-school care, and quality devices,” said CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley. “We appreciate Think Together and Broadcom’s partnership and support in ensuring these students have devices of their own.”

“It is undeniable the value of partnerships in ensuring that students can fully participate in learning in all of its forms. This pandemic has been hard. We know that the best place for students to learn is in the classroom, fully supported educationally and emotionally. However, having partners like Think Together and Broadcom is one way we can ensure our students have what they need and know that we care about their wellbeing,” said CUSD Board President Micah Ali.

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Bay Area Quality Assurance Coach, Pete Reyes has been a part of the Think Together team since 2013. Coworkers and leadership alike recognize him for his dedication, determination, and for always being a great support system for his team and region. Pete continues to demonstrate the value of his leadership and is always looking for opportunities to continue to develop. We are thrilled to introduce you to Pete and share a bit of his story with you.

What is your “why” for working for Think Together? 

My why for working for Think Together is because I have the opportunity to serve the communities that have supported me. I have been lucky enough to have had positive people and structure in my life and I intend on returning the favor. I am proud to work for an organization that allows me to provide programs that put positive adult figures into the lives of children that can help make a difference in their lives. Every day I choose to use my time to be of service and make a difference.  

Did you always want to work in education?  

I did not, I honestly had no idea how much this job would have affected me. Once I felt the impact I was making and saw the difference I could make in people’s lives I knew I was in the right place.  

Being a QAC, what have you seen Think Together sites help with during the pandemic? 

During the Pandemic I have seen Think Together shift in real-time to support the changing needs of our students, families, and employees. I have been very proud to see how our organization has put the people first and done everything we could do to help and understand the challenges we are all facing. In just one academic school year many of our programs have provided three different offerings based on the needs expressed by our communities and district partners. I am very proud of how our organization has reacted to the challenges the pandemic has created and that I can play a part in helping our families.  

What has stood out in the 2020-21 school year that has inspired you the most? 

What has stood out to me the most this school year has been the mindset of our site leaders. As we began planning to return to in-person programming our site leaders rose to the occasion. These leaders navigated the challenging and demanding environment the pandemic created and ensured the programs we were opening were safe and supportive of our student and staff needs. These leaders inspire me with their dedication and drive to serve our communities and their non-wavering focus on keeping our people safe.  

What is one piece of advice that you’ve given to your team that you think everyone should know? 

One piece of advice that I would give is to be aware that the little things we do each day have long-lasting, potentially life-changing, effects on others. Helping a student with a difficult day, being there for them when they are hurt or upset, organizing something fun, or just asking someone how they are and telling them you care about them can make a huge difference. We truly have the opportunity to change lives and it can happen at any moment.  

What are your professional goals? 

One of my main professional goals is to support the expansion of our extended learning programs through the quality of services we provide. I believe our opportunity to provide summer programming is a catalyst to expand our programs to other districts and communities. 

Long term I am focused on expanding my leadership lens and personal development to prepare for the next steps within the organization. I am eager to see how my new role will increase my ability to personally drive conversations and create relationships that will help our services reach more and more students each year.  

Is there anything else you want to share? 

Every day I am grateful to have this opportunity. I choose to take this opportunity to help others and truly enjoy the ability to have a part in changing lives for the better. I encourage you all to make that same choice, you may be that one person in someone’s life that makes the difference. 

Pete, thank you for supporting our mission to change the odds for kids!

Graduation season is exciting for all of us at Think Together, but it is even more exciting for the nine recipients of our Good to Great scholarship. This year, we were able to award nine $2,000 scholarships to incredibly deserving students. 

The senior year of high school is usually the highest point of an adolescent’s life. For the class of 2021, it has been a much different end to their journey before they make the leap into adulthood. This year has been filled with concerns about graduating, getting enough financial aid to have the college experience, while often helping to support their families. 

Many students have had to grow up much faster than they would have otherwise had to but likewise, these students have big goals and even bigger dreams to make a difference in the world. 

With graduation season underway, we spoke with many of our graduating seniors and while their stories are different, their strength and ambition shine through the barriers they have overcome. 

Think Together’s Good to Great scholarship is given yearly to outstanding students who, through their hard work, have the potential to be engaged adult leaders in their communities after graduation. Additionally, students who receive this scholarship receive a mentor who will help support and guide them through the first two years of college. 

This year’s recipients will be attending Columbia University, USC, UCLA, Cal State San Marcos, Vanguard University of Southern California, Rio Hondo College, Mt. San Jacinto College, and Southern New Hampshire University. If that is not impressive enough, these students want to pursue careers in Business Administration, Marketing, Psychology, Education, Criminal Investigation, and more.

 “I used to be a really shy person who wouldn’t put herself out there as much and I wouldn’t always want to talk or lead a group project or a presentation. Now I am the complete opposite. I tend to volunteer to take the lead roles in presentations. And not only that, I was also comfortable enough this year to make a video to advertise the program. To be 100% honest, Think Together really did change me into a whole new person and I couldn’t be prouder of that,” says one of the students. 

Think Together’s high school programming is very different from our more traditionally formatted elementary and middle school afterschool programming. 

From helping with credit recovery to college tours, scholarship application assistance, and internships through our Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), our high school students can feel supported as they look towards the future while also having time to hang out with their friends and participate in a custom-built program that fits the needs of their school campus.

​​​​Over the next several weeks, we will be featuring high school seniors on our social media channels and we want you to be part of that celebration! Be sure to be following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to not miss any of their inspirational stories!

These students are our future, and they are ready to make the future theirs while making a positive impact on the world. 

Think Together is thrilled to be the first recipient of Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star pitcher Trevor Bauer’s Ks for a Cause Initiative, where every strikeout this season means $1,000 toward that month’s designated nonprofit. The reigning NL Cy Young Award Winner wants to make an impact with his return to the Los Angeles area by partnering with local nonprofits focused on STEM and/or youth programming opportunities. 

“This season, I want to give back to my hometown community in a really meaningful way,” said Bauer. “I’m excited to launch Ks for a Cause to support several incredible nonprofit organizations doing impactful work to promote STEM and offer a variety of youth programming across the greater Los Angeles area. Strikeouts have always been important to me, but this season they will be even more purposeful.”

Bauer has had an amazing start to his season, with 51 strikeouts in six starts equating to a $51,000 donation to Think Together through fully funded grants distributed by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. For Think Together, the $51,000 will go towards STEM education in our Southeast LA region where we provide afterschool and expanded learning programs in Compton, Lynwood and Bellflower. 

In addition to those strikeouts, Bauer has released a limited edition shirt this month for Ks for a Cause, with all proceeds being donated to Think Together. 

You may be wondering, why STEM? 

Bauer attended UCLA where he studied engineering. He loves data and uses it to improve his performance even now as a professional baseball player. With his knowledge and understanding of the countless applications of STEM, Trevor Bauer understands the importance of STEM education. 

As part of this partnership, Trevor Bauer took the time to sit down and chat with Think Together’s Founder and CEO, Randy Barth to learn more about our organizations and our STEM initiatives like Coding for All. 

You can watch the entire interview here.

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“We are so excited to have the opportunity to partner with Trevor Bauer and his Ks for a Cause initiative, thanks to our long-standing relationship with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation,” said Randy Barth, founder, and CEO at Think Together. “Bauer has had an awesome start to the season and we’re cheering for him as he makes such a tremendous impact for kids living in our hometown of Los Angeles.”

Think Together has been a partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation since 2015. Integral to Coding for All, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation supports Think Together’s College Readiness programs with college field trips for middle school students in Los Angeles County and Social-Emotional Learning Programs for middle school students in San Bernardino and Los Angeles.

Together we are all changing the odds for kids! 

Press Release

Media Inquiries
Elena Bosch
(714) 824-8136
[email protected]

The live virtual event held April 23 was attended by more than 300 guests from across the state of California.

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 26, 2021) – Think Together, California’s largest nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning, and school improvement programs, held its annual Raise A Handevent raising $515,000 on Friday, April 23.

Think Together’s annual fundraiser was reimagined this year as a virtual experience with nearly 300 guests registered to attend. The event brought together passionate individuals and corporations to raise funds for student learning recovery programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic and honor students who have overcome challenges in pursuit of their education.

“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support we have received statewide,” said Randy Barth, founder and CEO at Think Together. “From seasoned supporters to first-time donors, we want to say thank you to each of you. Every donation matters in funding our mission to change the odds for kids.”

Among longtime sponsors is champion sponsor Medtronic, which committed $25,000 this year and every year since 2016, totaling $125,000. Joining Medtronic as champion sponsors are Crevier Family Foundation; PIMCO Foundation; Leona Aronoff-Sadacca; Eric and Connie Boden; D. John Miller Family Charitable Foundation; Patrick and Gretchen Salyer Family Fund; and Worah Family Foundation. Dan and Leslee Young sponsored Raise a Hand as a promise sponsor coming in at $50,000.

PIMCO Executive Vice President and Think Together Board Chair John Lee shared he was thrilled with the outpouring of support. “Where we were concerned about COVID causing disconnect, we’ve found it’s the opposite. Hosting Raise a Hand virtually allowed us to expand our circle of impact in ways we haven’t been able to do in the past. We are able to share and celebrate the meaningful work Think Together is doing to support students no matter where we are,” said Lee.

At this year’s event, Think Together honored Broadcom with its Champion of Change award which recognizes an outstanding partner dedicated to changing the odds for kids. When classrooms closed last spring, Think Together partnered with schools to provide virtual expanded learning programs to more than 125,000 youth including students experiencing homelessness, in foster care and children of essential workers across California. Broadcom Inc., through its foundation, worked with Think Together to provide an estimated 600 laptops to staff and students to support the transition to distance learning.

Think Together also presented its Think Legacy award to board veteran Leona Aronoff-Sadacca, who is retiring from the board after ten years of service. Like many Think Together board members and families, Leona is a first-generation immigrant. Born in 1936 into a Jewish family in Germany, her family fled from the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II, landing in New York before moving to Los Angeles, and finally raising her own family in Rialto while running Gate City Beverage in San Bernardino as president, CEO and owner. 

To round out the evening’s awards, Think Together delivered its annual Faces of the Future scholarship, presented by Pacific Life, to three deserving high school seniors enrolled in Think Together’s program who faced extraordinary challenges. Each student received a $3,000 scholarship and a personal laptop to start their college career.

Think Together’s annual Raise A Handwas free to attend virtually. To learn more about Think Together or to watch the Raise A Hand event broadcast, visit:  

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.

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Press Release

Media Inquiries
Elena Bosch
(714) 824-8136
[email protected]

Amid growth in its Los Angeles County regions, Think Together recruits new board member with local ties.

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 12, 2021) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of school improvement, expanded learning and afterschool programs, today announced the appointment of Quincy Allen, co-founder and managing partner of Arc Capital Partners, to its board of directors.  

Based in Downtown Los Angeles, Allen has more than $8 billion in commercial real estate and investment experience. Throughout his career, he has had a particular focus on institutional investing in urban markets across the country. The firm owns and operates real estate capital throughout the Western U.S. and repositions properties primed for growth.

“Education has the power to strengthen a community,” said Allen of his work. “Whether through revitalization or education, we’re investing in neighborhoods and people. I’m proud to serve alongside a nonprofit that really understands it takes a multi-pronged approach to make a difference by delivering high-quality afterschool programs.”

Think Together’s largest area of impact is Los Angeles County where the organization serves nearly 75,000 students, across 14 districts and 23 charter management organizations. Allen plans to leverage his expertise to advise Think Together’s continued expansion in Los Angeles County and beyond. Think Together operates afterschool and expanded learning programs throughout the state.

“As we look to expand our reach, we are thrilled to welcome Allen to the board,“ said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. “Quincy brings a deep knowledge of business development coupled with an unparalleled passion for helping communities thrive and he will be a tremendous part of our board.”

Think Together’s newest director comes as the board is supporting the organization’s annual fundraiser event, Raise A Hand, reimagined this year as a virtual experience. The event will be held on Friday, April 23 via a live broadcast on both Zoom and YouTube Live. Learn more at: https://one.bidpal.net/raiseahand.

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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 Orenda Education

A Think Together affiliate since 2014, Orenda Education is in the business of change. This group of highly experienced educational consultants’ partners with school districts to identify research-based equity-grounded solutions for closing the Achievement Gap. Orenda’s proven approach dramatically improves student outcomes and creates paths for college and career opportunities. For more information please go to orendaed.org.

“When we went home last year, I knew we weren’t going to be back in 2 weeks.”

“I was really upset that we couldn’t go back to school.”
“Around month seven I was starting to get bored.”

The pandemic has been hard for all, but some Think Together students have granted us the unique opportunity to really listen to how the last year has been through their eyes. Six of our students at Portola Middle School have eloquently shared their perspectives in their podcast Take 6. 

As part of Think Together’s expanded learning and enrichment programs, students can participate in clubs in a variety of topics like culinary skills, coding and robotics, art, sports and now podcasting. Each week, our podcasters meet up and go through every aspect of producing a podcast from writing scripts, interviewing guests, sound editing, and practicing those public speaking skills.

But even more importantly, this podcast also allows them to spend time with their friends and work on something together after a long year with little connection. “I wanted to come up with something cool that I could do with my friends,” says one of our students.

If there is one thing to know about these students, it’s that they are tough and unafraid to get a little vulnerable. The social and emotional learning skills that go into sharing thoughts and emotions on a podcast are key skills our students will carry with them the rest of their lives.

In their first episode, “The Quarantine Life” our students have a roundtable discussion about how the pandemic has had an impact on them in the last year. While there are some annoyances, they also talk about the good things. “I’ve gotten the time to spend time and learn more about my family,” says another.

While distance learning and staying home was nice at first, as the months went on, our students started missing school just as much as we missed supporting them in-person. Orange Unified School District has been in person since Fall 2020, following a hybrid learning model with some days on campus and other days doing distance learning.

Our podcasters interviewed their school counselor to get his perspective on how the pandemic has shifted everyone’s lives, especially at school. “Our job has gotten a lot harder; we’re trying to help as many students as possible who are struggling with their classes … and a lot more kids are struggling,” he says.

Nationwide, students are struggling to keep up with classes, meet requirements and grade-level expectations. With attendance rates at an all-time low, partnerships like Think Together and Orange Unified School District work closely together to get students back on track and learning.

Our podcasters are coming out with a new episode every two weeks on Spotify, with their most recent episode last week about their own experiences being bullied and the advice they have for anyone else experiencing bullying.

We hope that you’ll tune in and take a listen to Take 6 and join us in being their biggest fans.

Press Release

Media Inquiries
Elena Bosch
(714) 824-8136
[email protected]

The sold-out event, hosted in partnership with Think Together and the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, aimed at fostering collaboration among County, State and Business Leaders

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 07, 2021) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, in partnership with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, hosted the 2021 Inland Empire Education and Workforce Readiness Summit virtually on Wednesday, April 7, bringing together more than 300 leaders in the public, education and nonprofit sectors.

The event opened with Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle, CEO of Orenda Education, who spoke to the opportunities and challenges educators experience as they navigate the ever-changing landscape toward reopening schools. Key to overcoming those challenges, according to Dr. La Salle, will be realizing that our plans must be fluid and our systemic issues resolved.

“We have demographics determining destiny. We have students graduating that are not prepared at the level that the workforce wants them to be at and the level that universities want them to be at,” said Dr. La Salle. “If we lead with our educational equity foot forward, and then we check that against whether kids are on campus. And we check that against whether they’re safe. Then, we can lead remembering our mission is to have an educated populace and we will be successful in overcoming our collective challenges.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Angelo Farooq, Chairman of the California Workforce Development Board, followed providing his unique perspective on the social emotional impact youth are experiencing due to the pandemic and how this will affect their future well into their working years.

“The devastating impacts of the pandemic can be an opportunity to frame a compelling call to action for our youth,” said Dr. Farooq in an emotional speech calling for community collaboration. “Let’s harness the emotional compassion each of us are feeling for our children and let it be a rallying cry to mobilize, hopefully what could be the most transformative community engagement that any generation has ever witnessed, because that’s what this generation of youth deserve.”

The event was rounded out by Inland Empire Regional Chamber CEO Edward Ornelas who facilitated a discussion on how to help youth overcome the anticipated long-term impacts of COVID-19 on academic achievement, college and career readiness. Panelists included:

  • Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together
  • Ted Alejandre, Superintendent at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
  • Dr. Angelo Farooq, Chairman of the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB)
  • Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools

“The responsibility to ensure students have the skills needed to be successful in college and career isn’t just the educator’s responsibility,” said Ornelas. “It takes a village. It takes business partnerships. And it takes people who care working together to find opportunities for the next generation of our workforce.”

The event, which was free to attend, aimed to create cross-collaboration and constructive solutions for ensuring students impacted by COVID-19 are equipped with the necessary academic, technical, and soft skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.

“In today’s COVID-19 environment, it’s more important than ever that we work collaboratively across public, private and nonprofit sectors to ensure the next generation of talent has the skills they need to be successful,” said Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together. “Student learning recovery will be key across all grades, as well as the development of job skills like critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.”

The 2021 Inland Empire Education and Workforce Readiness Summit was proudly sponsored by

Bank of America and supported by Riverside County Workforce Development Centers, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and San Bernardino County.  

Those interested can watch the Inaugural Inland Empire Education and Workforce Readiness Summit on YouTube. Those looking to get involved with Think Together can visit: www.thinktogether.org/get-involved.

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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 Orenda Education

A Think Together affiliate since 2014, Orenda Education is in the business of change. This group of highly experienced educational consultants’ partners with school districts to identify research-based equity-grounded solutions for closing the Achievement Gap. Orenda’s proven approach dramatically improves student outcomes and creates paths for college and career opportunities. For more information please go to orendaed.org.

Think Together is proud of our own Helen Welderfael who in January was announced as one of the National AfterSchool Association’s 2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. Since then, Helen has been featured on WorldNewsEra, Riverside County News Source, and Redlands City News Group.

Helen was recently interviewed for the Redlands Daily Facts where she emphasized how critical data has been especially in the pandemic. “I think the data helps us visualize the work that we have done, and also helps us figure out the work that needs to be done,” says Helen.

In selecting its 2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the National AfterSchool Association sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for the development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders. 

Helen has worked as our Regional Operations Analyst in our San Bernardino region for the last two-and-a-half years and was recently promoted to Data Operations Manager. She recently received her master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. During her time at Think Together, Helen has invested her strong organizational skills to support her region with new processes and systems.

“The afterschool program I attended was a safe place where I received mentorship, homework support and lasting memories. The experience contributed significantly to the person I am today and is the reason I wanted to have the opportunity to make a difference with the kids we work with,” says Helen.

Helen joins the ranks of two previous honorees of the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. In 2018, Alberto Bajaras, then quality assurance coach for Think Together’s San Bernardino Region was awarded and has since been promoted to Director of Program and Operations for the region. Stacy Galdamez, General Manager for Think Together’s San Gabriel Valley region was named in 2017 and was also a quality assurance coach at the time of her recognition. 

Congratulations Helen. Your hard work in the afterschool and expanded learning community has not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to have you as part of the Think Together family.

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