Think Together Hosts Hands-On Volunteer Event to Support Summer Learning for 28,000 Students 

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.

Alexis Rivas becomes fifth Think Together leader to receive the prestigious honor.

Santa Ana, Calif. (March 28, 2025) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, is proud to announce that the National Afterschool Association (NAA) has named Think Together Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Alexis Rivas as one of the NAA’s 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. The NAA celebrated Rivas alongside 29 other NextGen Leaders during the NAA25 convention in Nashville, March 9-12. 

Rivas joined Think Together as a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for the San Bernardino Region in 2023. In her role, she identifies resources for Think Together families and communities, ensuring students have the support they need to reach their full potential. She has earned recognition for helping her school communities thrive, including a 2024 30 Under 30 Award from Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes for her impact in the Inland Empire. 

“Alexis has done an outstanding job engaging stakeholders across the San Bernardino County region,” said San Bernardino West and East Executive Director of Programs Alberto Barajas. “Her leadership has been instrumental in improving student attendance and engagement at sites, whether through outreach, recruitment, or distributing fliers. She has also played a key role in delivering professional development during our monthly regional meetings.” 

Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement is instrumental to bringing together resources to school districts and families to improve student outcomes and ensure educational excellence for all students can be achieved. In 2024, the team delivered nearly 8,000 family resource fliers across Think Together’s regions ranging from site event invites to family resource brochures to newsletters. Their efforts help strengthen school-community partnerships and provide families with valuable support. 

Think Together proudly welcomes Alexis Rivas to the list of outstanding leaders who advocate for the importance of afterschool programs. She joins past Think Together NAA honorees Hernan Sanchez (2022), Helen Welderufael (2021), Alberto Barajas (2018), and Stacy Galdamez (2017). 

NAA’s Afterschool Today magazine will feature the honorees in its Spring 2025 issue. Read more from the National Afterschool Association here. 

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. 

Orange County Business Journal Features Think Together Home Office Redevelopment

Major changes are in motion at Think Together! Thank you to the Orange County Business Journal for featuring Think Together’s home office transformation. The three-acre campus on Fourth Street will be redeveloped into a proposed seven-story, multi-family residential complex featuring 270 units. This project will provide housing for middle-class professionals like teachers, police officers, firefighters and office workers. We are proud to offer a welcoming and safe space for our community. 

Read more about Think Together’s redevelopment project here.

Building Brighter Futures in Coachella Valley with Senior Director of Fund Development Sarah Wills 

Senior Director of Fund Development Sarah Wills sat down with Coachella Valley-based podcast host Kelly Tweedie for her “Women You Should Know” series. Sarah shared about her role within the organization and the exciting opportunities being brought to students in the Coachella Valley through Think Together’s partnership with Palm Springs Unified School District.  

On March 18, fashion class students from Desert Hot Springs High School will be collaborating with Think Together to display their work at Fashion Week El Paseo. Think Together is the benefiting charity for the event’s student evening.  

Purchase tickets here to see their designs in person!

Think Together Leaders Inspire on the Stage and Behind the Scenes  

March was packed with Think Together’s top leaders connecting with visionaries in the nonprofit and education sectors. By sharing their experiences, these leaders were able to collaborate on ideas that will create an everlasting impact for educators and students. 

Orenda Education Leadership Presented New Methods to Ignite Growth at the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Superintendents Symposium and California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) 

Orenda’s Founder and President Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle shared her expertise at the ACSA Superintendents Symposium and CALSA.  

ACSA is an annual event that brings school leaders from California together, giving them access to professional learning, networking and advocacy. Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle’s session, Aligning Equity Goals with Student Outcomes in Challenging Political Times, offered practical strategies for leaders navigating shifting policies, resource constraints, and the ever-present urgency to improve learning conditions for all students. 

At CALSA, Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle led a powerful discussion on Equity Leadership Beyond Compliance—challenging conventional wisdom, diving into data-driven strategies, and sharing research-backed insights on leading equity initiatives that truly deliver results for students. 

Think Together Director of District Partnerships Bruce Williams and Executive Director of Programs Eddie Garcia presented with Coordinator of Expanded Learning Opportunities Joyce Taylor from Paramount Unified School District at Association of California School Administrators Region 17 (ACSA17). These exceptional leaders shared their expert knowledge on collaboration in expanded learning.  

Think Together leaders were also present at the California Association of Asian & Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE). The annual CAAPLE conference is designed for a range of beginner to experienced educators, focusing on their core values of Advocacy, Alliance and Advancement.

Think Together Director of Communications Elena Bosch, APR, Sparked Dialogue During the 2025 PRSA Western District Conference

At the 2025 PRSA Western District Conference, Director of Communications Elena Bosch, APR, moderated an engaging session among communicators in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Topics ranged from crafting compassionate messaging to strengthening strategic stakeholder engagement.  

Also at the conference was Erin Edwards, senior director of marketing and communications at Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Think Together foundation partner, who shared case studies for how foundations, nonprofits and for-profits can collaborate to amplify philanthropic impact.  

Think Together Art Director Maria McRoberts Featured in Creating Good Podcast

Maria McRoberts, art director for Think Together, took a seat with Matt Barnes, creator of the Creating Good podcast and founder of Rogue United. During the interview, Maria discussed how the use of creativity and art can inspire change by bringing awareness to Think Together’s mission.  

Click here to hear more about Maria’s story and how she uses art to make a difference! 

Be sure to stay connected with Think Together! Follow our blog and social media at @thinktogether across most channels. From transformative community projects to inspiring student success stories, be in the know on how we’re changing the odds for kids every day.

Surfing, Bob Marley and soccer are just a few things that describe LA Metro’s Athletics and Events Project Specialist, Christopher Fernandez. Christopher’s five years with Think Together has been filled with building relationships and ensuring students have the confidence to excel on and off the field. Learn more about how Christopher is changing the odds for kids.

What inspired you to work at Think Together and pursue a career in the education field?

My biggest inspiration and greatest joy are witnessing student growth in a positive atmosphere: the smiles, the camaraderie, and the confidence. We support opportunities through sports to see students win with grace and transform losses into life lessons. This is the essence of Sports Based Youth Development.

My experience coaching students and collaborating with families has given me significant personal and professional growth. I am committed to ensuring every young person has access to sports, recognizing their power in building confidence and fostering life skills.

What has been your favorite regional sports event you have done at Think Together?

Each event offers a unique experience, but our Urban Futsal LA Collaboration truly stood out. We created an unforgettable soccer festival at the gym facility, Jump Beyond Sports, connecting student athletes (K-12) with pro coaches, players and freestyle experts. Participants enjoyed skills clinics, a freestyle showcase, player meet and greets and a thrilling futsal tournament. I curated this experience with the goal for students to foster a deeper love for the game in a positive atmosphere with high level coaches and players. 

What is your theme song for life and why?

Bob Marley’s ‘Zimbabwe’ reminds me that we each deserve to decide our own path. I try to treat every interaction, especially with students and their families, as a gift, a chance to make a difference. I want every student to feel valued and uplifted. When we come together, arm in arm, we can face anything as a community.

What is an underrated skill needed to excel as an Athletics and Events Project Specialist?

Be yourself, build connections naturally, and value who you are. Prioritize listening, especially to colleagues and the students we serve.

If you were stranded on an island, what are two items you would bring with you?

Definitely a Swiss Army knife. And a surfboard, because if you’re stuck on an island, you might as well surf, right?

What sports have you introduced to the Program?

We’ve established a competitive sports program for high school students in the Los Angeles Metro region, specifically designed to bridge the gap for charter schools that typically lack access to CIF-sanctioned athletics. Our program provides a comparable and high-quality tournament experience, enabling student-athletes to compete in premier facilities such as LAB Five and Jump Beyond Sports. We prioritize fostering positive competition and a safe environment, where skill development and confidence-building are most important. Looking ahead, our goal for the next school year is to expand our offerings by providing student-athletes with workshops focused on creating player profiles for college recruitment. Furthermore, we aim to host events that directly connect our athletes with college coaches, maximizing their opportunities to pursue collegiate athletics and careers in sports.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

I carry so many student stories with me. But the ones that truly stay with me are the moments when a student says, ‘thank you’. That’s what keeps me going, what pushes me to be my best every single day.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

After work, my greatest joy is spending time with my wife, twin boys and daughter. I’m also passionate about the outdoors, especially surfing. To stay active, I play professional beach soccer with Botafogo USA.

“Yogurtland,” shared Kayla, a 12th grader from Heritage High School when asked where she wants to drive to first once she earns her learner’s permit.  

High school students like Kayla across Los Angeles and Riverside County campuses are gaining essential driving skills through State Farm’s DriveSafe program. This initiative teaches safe driving habits, traffic laws, and responsibility behind the wheel, while also helping students earn their learner’s permits. 

Throughout the eight-week DriveSafe program, students develop independent decision-making skills, gain internship experience, and learn to commute to jobs and other commitments—all made possible with State Farm’s support. 

Upon completing both the instructional and post-assessment components, students become eligible to take their permit test at the DMV—an important step toward independence and access to their communities. 

At Heritage High School, teens attend the afterschool program daily, actively engaging and eager to learn. The program incorporates interactive activities, allowing students to practice real-world driving concepts, such as hand signals and situational awareness. These exercises help participants understand the rules of the road beyond what’s covered in a driver’s handbook. 

“One of my favorite lessons I’ve learned so far is understanding the traffic signs,” said David, a senior at Heritage High School. “Some of them are very confusing, and you have to understand which ones are for construction zones and that you’re supposed to slow down during those yellow and bright orange signs.” 

Program staff also see firsthand how the program helps new drivers understand real-world scenarios, going beyond the driver’s handbook for hands-on learning experiences.   

Older Youth Leader Eric, who teaches the driver education program, believes that this program provides Think Together students with an advantage in earning their learner’s permits. 

“These students get a head start compared to other students,” said Eric. “My parents had to pay a lot of money when I was in driver education in high school, and I had to take a lot more classes just to earn my permit compared to my students.”  

State Farm is proud to support Think Together’s driver education and workforce readiness programs, equipping students with the skills they need for their future—on and off the road.  

Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to learn how students are driving toward brighter futures ahead.   

Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department gathered at the California School-Age Consortium, in partnership with the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance, at the 21st Annual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge to advocate for expanded learning at the state level.  

From March 3-4, Think Together’s FACE department joined professionals, youth and families to learn about the importance of advocating for the out-of-school time (OST) field. This year held higher significance as they aimed to secure long-term funding for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).  

FACE team members Joel Salazar, Alexis Rivas, and Sara Orellana represented Think Together as team leaders at the event. Using their leadership abilities, they provided guidance and knowledge to afterschool and school-age care professionals. Later, the team created their own poster boards and participated in the rally, where they heard firsthand experiences and stories, highlighting the life-changing impact of OST programs on success in school, work, and life. 

Following the rally, the FACE team had the opportunity to meet with legislators, where they further discussed the importance of afterschool programs. The team shared firsthand testimonials with leaders like Senator Susan Rubio, Senator Sabrina Cervantes, and Assemblymember Robert Garcia. 

“It’s so fantastic to see so many of our Think Together team members rise as leaders in their own right, helping mobilize their communities and the field around these very important policy goals,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth.  

Think Together’s FACE department is a team of 10 exceptional leaders, dedicated to providing students and families with the resources they need to thrive. They have trained over 1,500 Think Together staff members to better understand the needs of the communities Think Together serves. In 2024 alone, the FACE team delivered nearly 8,000 informational pieces across Think Together’s regions ranging from site event flyers to family resource brochures to newsletters. 

The California School-Age Consortium is dedicated to providing training, leadership development and advocacy for OST professionals, ensuring students have access to high-quality OST programs. 

Students at Desert Hot Springs High School, in partnership with Think Together, are heading to Fashion Week El Paseo. Armed with vision boards, pin cushions, measuring tape, and sewing needles, they are preparing to display their designs at one of the largest fashion events on the West Coast.

This year, Think Together is thrilled to be named the benefiting charity for the event’s student evening on March 18, which will showcase couture designs from Instituto Marangoni Miami’s fashion students.

Through a collaboration with the Fashion 2 class at Desert Hot Springs High School, Think Together is helping bring students’ creative vision to life. They’ll be designing a single look based on their chosen theme: Magical Fairy Garden, which will be on display on March 18.

“The thought of being featured in Fashion Week El Paseo is huge. This is a great opportunity for the rest of the world to see that the students are amazing and that possibilities are endless,” said Rosa Esposito, fashion teacher at Desert Hot Springs High School. “Whatever they do in this class does not mean it’s just in here and they can take it outside of this class and beyond.”

This marks the first time an entire Fashion 2 class has had the opportunity to showcase their work at an event as esteemed as Fashion Week El Paseo.

“The overall collaboration between Think Together and the fashion class is to bring more resources and let the students know that they can go to college for certain things like this,” said Fiona Burns, Think Together Site Program Manager at Desert Hot Springs High School. “The collaboration also brings awareness to Desert Hot Springs and attracts more students to the opportunities Think Together offers.” 

Students in the class are highly motivated to participate in this project, like high school senior student Hailey, who has found a new side to herself during the design process.

“Being part of the fashion show is pretty cool and a good opportunity for everybody. The fashion class has inspired me to be more creative and more open with myself. Fashion is all kinds of designs, so when I have to create my own sketch, I know I can do it my way,” said Hailey.  

In addition to the high school students’ fashion designs, Think Together’s fashion club at Raymond Cree Middle School is collaborating with the high schoolers to create matching jewelry pieces, from forest mushroom rings to butterfly necklaces. Seventh grader Caylynn is particularly excited to bring the Magical Fairy Garden theme to life with her unique jewelry creations.

“I’m mostly excited about making the designs in person, instead of just sketching it out.  I love wearing jewelry, so I think it’d be interesting to make some of my own. I’m most excited to create the leaves I’ll be adding to my jewelry,” said Caylynn.

The students are working hard to ensure their designs are ready for March 18. If you want to see their creations in person, there is still time to purchase tickets!

Envisioning a Brighter Tomorrow for Students

Think Together is proud to partner with school districts like Palm Springs Unified to expand our reach and provide students with opportunities to shine bright and explore their passions.

Currently, Think Together serves over 3,000 students daily in the Coachella Valley with academic support and additional programming like competitive sports, culinary programs, drivers’ education for high school students, and much more at no cost to families. Think Together has partnered with the Palm Springs Unified School District for four years and has worked to bridge the opportunity gap between students and resources they need to reach college and career paths like barbershop classes,  Workforce Readiness and Employment Program (WREP), and sports programs. 

“In high school, we know kids drop out because they weren’t connected to school. A program like Think Together really connects the kids and gets them excited to be here every day,” said Omar Tinoco, principal of Desert Hot Springs High School.

Together, Think Together hopes to continue to work with our school partners to help students break barriers through expanded learning opportunities that explore the worlds of arts, sports, and STEM.

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