Collaborating to Bring Meaningful Impact with Whittier Chamber of Commerce
In collaboration with Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce, Think Together’s Santa Fe Springs regional office hosted Wake Up Whittier, bringing together leaders within the community to connect and share ideas that strengthen partnerships.
Think Together was grateful for the opportunity to share more about its statewide impact with the Whittier community and highlight local partnerships with South Whittier School District and RMH Dance and Productions. Together, the organization is inspiring change by working with local districts, cities and business leaders to bring more expanded learning opportunities to students beyond the school day.
The Celebration Continues for Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
Melanie Barraza
Once again, Think Together’s Randy Barth Leadership Award winner Melanie Barraza was in the spotlight as she appeared on The Desert Sun. As a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Melanie has been able to provide students with more opportunities for growth and development. Her ability to inspire collaboration between educators, families, and community partners continues to open doors for student success.
Congratulations, Melanie!
Think Summer in Baldwin Park Unified School District Continues to Thrive
Summer may be coming to an end but Think Summer program is still celebrated for bringing opportunities to students all summer long. We are honored to have Baldwin Park Unified School District (BPUSD) featured in Baldwin Park News. For over 15 years, BPUSD has shown constant support for Think Together’s mission as we align to ensure every student has access to high-quality expanded learning opportunities.
New Location, Same Impact!
For Think Together staff in the Inland Empire region, the team will be moving to a new location in Colton, California. This group of motivated leaders has been making an impact with many of our district partners in San Bernardino County, and the new office will further support their work to continue making a difference in the community.
From sketches on paper to soaring down ziplines! Twenty middle school students from Vista Heritage Charter experienced sky-high excitement as they worked with PIMCO volunteers to bring their ideas to life.
With support from Child Creativity Lab instructors, students stepped into the role of engineers as they engaged in a hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activity to create functioning zipline carrier prototypes capable of safe transportation. Instructors equipped students with a clear lesson plan, an overview of the STEAM principles behind the project, and with the materials needed to build the carrier.
Students then met the PIMCO volunteers, who were there to offer guidance and support throughout the activity. Together, the students and PIMCO volunteers worked to brainstorm, sketch and build their zipline carriers with recycled materials.
“Creativity is critical everywhere. By reaching out to students, our community, and volunteering for these types of events, we can help students develop academically and become critical thinkers,” said PIMCO Executive Vice President, Abhishek Kumar.
To test its functionality, each carrier was put to the test to see which one went down the fastest, traveling down a makeshift zipline outside the classroom. As their carriers zipped down, students began to cheer each other on and feel a sense of accomplishment as they witnessed the success of their hard work.
“My mentor really supported all of our decisions which helped me feel confident and believe in my design,” said Bella, a Think Together student.
PIMCO’s generosity doesn’t stop there. Beyond the classroom, thirty-five volunteers came together at their Newport office, collecting 400 books for Think Together students in Orange County. At the end of the event, the team also made a $1,000 donation.
For 12 years, PIMCO has partnered with Think Together to open doors of opportunity for students. Their ongoing support has contributed more than $270,000 in gifts, helping build a bridge to success for Think Together students across California.
This summer has been nothing short of enriching for Think Together students. From cheering at baseball games, to exploring science museums, to developing new skills in dancing and cooking, California youth across the state made the most of their break with hands-on learning and meaningful adventures. Think Together served more than 25,000 students this summer at over 270 program sites, helping prevent summer learning loss while creating unforgettable memories.
Here’s a peek at Think Summer 2025:
Los Angeles Metro 🌞
Fenton Charter Public School scientists tapped into their curiosity at the Discovery Cube, where interactive science exhibits brought learning to life. Budding scientists and engineers explored topics such as recycling, ocean life, physics and plant science through hands-on activities, sparking curiosity that extended beyond the classroom.
Fourth grader Mackenzie shared, “It’s important we learn about science for the classes we will take in the future. This field trip is helping us learn about things we haven’t seen yet.”
East Los Angeles County 🦕
El Rancho Unified School District led a busy summer full of golf, tech learning, and fossil exploration! Elementary students traveled through time at the La Brea Tar Pits, where they learned about the Ice Age, saw fossils up close and explored the only active Ice Age fossil site in the world.
Through the Latina Golfers Association, middle school girls learned the fundamentals of golf and heard from Councilwoman Dr. Monica Sanchez, who inspired them to dream big and chase their goals.
Technology and engineering were the main highlight of the day at SoFi Stadium where middle schoolers explored behind-the-scenes of the tech that creates the magic of the large stadium. They also participated in a career panel with SoFi Stadium professionals to learn about various career paths.
High school coders from Compton USD also embarked on a summer activity of their own at the WeWork HQ, where they held their culminating Hackathon event. The high schoolers collaborated in teams with tech mentors and presented projects to industry professionals to showcase their creativity through coding and explored various career options in the STEM field.
Aspiring engineers at Vista Charter Public School explored STEM through the construction of a zipline with PIMCO and the Child Creativity Lab, learning how creative thinking and problem-solving are closely intertwined. Their innovation was put to the test as they created zipline carriers capable of transporting a ball safely from one end to the other.
Paramount Unified School District learners were inspired by innovation and discovery at the California Science Center, where interactive exhibits encouraged students to imagine the possibilities of future technology.
The Desert 🎢
A trip to Knott’s Berry Farm delivered thrills and laughs for Hemet Unified School District high schoolers with roller coasters, games and summer treats. As part of the Energy in Motion Tour, Think Together high schoolers learned about the physics of motion and energy transfer through rides like Supreme Scream, Wipe Out and Hang Time, gaining front-row seats and skipping the lines to witness science in action.
Palm Springs Unified School District campers created their own Camp Day event, complete with a campsite aesthetic, friendship bracelet making, a s’mores station and camp-style games such as potato sack races, cup stacking and volleyball.
Curious scientists from Val Verde Unified School District explored natural wonders at the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center and took a trip to the Discovery Cube. There, students experienced hands-on exhibits like the “Sea Lab” and “Dino Quest,” where they explored marine biology, prehistoric anatomy and animal behavior in engaging and interactive ways.
San Bernardino County 🐍
From meeting slithery new friends during a reptile show to laughing along with a ventriloquist performance and cooking up creativity at Sauté Academy, Colton Joint Unified School District summer learners stayed engaged in hands-on fun.
Wild Man Dan introduced kindergarten through sixth-graders to reptiles and arachnids from across the globe, helping them overcome fears and learn about backyard wildlife.
“I really liked learning about all the interesting animals; my favorite was the scorpion,” shared fourth grader Evalyn.
At Sauté Academy, young chefs practiced safe cutting techniques, learned to whip cream by hand and assembled their own fruit pastries.
“It was fun to make the pastries because I’ve baked with my grandma and this reminded me of doing that with her,” said sixth grader Jackson.
San Gabriel Valley ⚾
It was all smiles and stadium snacks during an Angels Game outing, where eighth grader Jayden from Baldwin Park Unified School District was invited to step onto the field and start off the game with a “Play Ball!” announcement.
In Azusa Unified School District, kindergarten through eighth–grade students ventured into a day packed with STEM activities at Main Event. It was a unique learning experience as it was done in an arcade-style setting, where they learned the science behind their favorite games and math lessons using pizza!
“I liked how we got to play and learn at the same time,” shared fourth grader Frank. “I didn’t know there was so much math and science in pizza and games!”
High Desert 🎸
Victor Elementary School District scholars showcased their out-of-this-world creativity by designing space-themed parade floats using their summer camp parade kits filled with all the necessary materials to bring their astronaut ideas to life.
Elementary schoolers from Hesperia Unified School District explored their passion for music at the After School Music Academy, where they learned the basics of drumming and built confidence through performance-based learning.
Northern and Central California 🐛
In Vacaville Unified School District, kindergarten through sixth-grade students dove into imaginative weekly themes like bugs, underwater wonders, friendship and sports heroes. These themed experiences sparked curiosity, creativity and meaningful conversations, giving students new ways to connect with one another and the world around them.
At Think Together, summer isn’t just a break from school; it’s a chance to keep curiosity alive, ignite new passions and help students keep their minds active to avoid summer learning loss. By providing enriching programs and meaningful experiences during the long break, Think Summer ensures kids return to school confident, inspired and ready to learn.
Banana pudding matcha, notebooks and Post-it notes are some of the key ingredients to making Nepthalye Vargas excel as one of the Human Resources Generalists for the Riverside Southwest (RCSW) region. Over the past year and half, Nepthalye has supported her region through summer trainings, presenting to Program Leaders and conducting monthly visits to school sites. Find out about her theme song and more below…
Why did you choose to work at Think Together? What keeps you going?
My supervisor at my previous job invited me to apply for a position. At the time, I was working in human resources at Target and was trying to gain more HR experience through a full-time position. I could really see myself working for a place like Think Together because I valued the mission in changing the odds for kids.
Working in Human Resources is fulfilling because it allows me to build genuine connections with my colleagues during both positive and challenging moments. Even when situations are difficult, you remain optimistic and solution-focused to create a better outcome for everyone involved.
How do you get ready for the school year?
Caffeine! That and I try my best to prioritize organization. I ask a lot of questions, make a lot of lists and update all my trackers. I try to communicate as much as I can, so I don’t miss anything for the upcoming year and stay efficient in my work.
What accomplishments have you or your team done this year that has filled you with the most pride? Why?
I had the opportunity to lead summer trainings for RCSW and speak in regionals and other all-team gatherings. Public speaking has never been my strong suit and I’m still working to build confidence in it.
As for my team, even small improvements such as being compliant in trainings, clearing our exceptions on time or enjoying team bonding during regionals fill me with pride and reinforce that RCSW truly is the best. One moment that especially resonated with me was during our recent organizational restructuring. We all had to adapt, but clear and consistent communication helped us navigate the changes smoothly.
What would be the theme song to your life? Why?
“Vienna” by Billy Joel. It feels very nostalgic and hopeful. Even in times where I feel like I’m falling behind, it grounds me and makes me think about how there’s still plenty of time left for me to do what I want.
In your role, you are supporting multiple regions and SPMs, how do you stay organized and on top of things?
I think I’ve filled three different notebooks with to-do lists! I’m known for Excel charts, trackers and lots of Post-its. I love data, prioritizing and keeping track or reference points for all that I do. This makes me efficient in my work and helps me to accomplish my day-to-day tasks.
Do you have a moment during your career at Think Together that has really made an impact on you?
My HRG peers, Alfredo and Jordan, and my HRBP boss, Austen, have really made an impact on me whether through training, guidance or development. They inspire me every day and invest in my career growth and working with them is such a pleasure and so much fun! Another impact is the monthly site visits that I go on. It’s nice to go out and see our team and students firsthand. I vividly remember when we visited Indian Hills Elementary. During our visit, one of the students was having a tough and emotional day. Our SPM stepped in to provide calm support and comforted the student. Witnessing that moment in person and seeing the trust students place in our team was a powerful reminder of the difference we make.
If another Thinker took a trip to your region, Riverside Southwest, what is the one local food spot you would take them to? Why?
Lunch time is where we shine! Our FIRST stop is Luna’s Sunday Café at the Moreno Valley Mall for a banana pudding matcha, it is incredible! Then, we’ll go to Juju Bar for the Twilight acai bowl. An honorable mention is The Deli – it’s literally across the street from the Hub and has so many fun pizza options.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
I love to go to concerts and festivals and try new coffee shops. I love being around my friends, so I am always dragging them with me. Concerts are my favorite place on earth, I think I’ve seen the pit of the Kia Forum more than my own room. I also love going to the movies and reviewing as I watch. Fun fact: I am an AMC A-list member, and it’s the best.
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator (FACE) Melanie Barraza Honored with the 2024 Randy Barth Leadership Award
Think Together is proud to recognize Melanie Barraza, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, as the 2024 recipient of the Randy Barth Leadership Award. The Family and Community Engagement team plays a critical role in strengthening the connection between families, schools, and communities.
In Palm Springs, Melanie has helped bridge many students and their families to valuable school-based and community resources. As a Randy Barth Leadership Award recipient, Melanie’s work reflects what it means to be both an exceptional and impactful leader. Her dedication, compassion, and collaborative spirit make her a standout individual who embodies these values. Thank you to Desert Charity News for highlighting Melanie’s big win! Read more about Melanie’s story or watch her award moment here.
Meet Think Together’s Impact Portfolio Team Who Will Advance Innovation in Education
Think Together is excited to announce the appointment of Matt Scharpnick as Chief of Innovation for the organization’s impact portfolio. He will lead the strategic development of technological solutions and bring a new suite of digital products designed to expand Think Together’s impact. Learn more about how Matt will bring about change to students across California here.
Along with Matt, comes a team of exceptional leaders who will help in making this change possible.
Derek Lasher, Senior Vice President of Product
Anthony Monahan, Vice President of Product Design
Billy Cruz, Vice President of Software Engineering
Johnny Santos, Chief of Staff
These key leaders will support Think Together’s Impact Portfolio by accelerating its efforts to deliver tech-forward education solutions. Read more about the Impact Portfolio team here.
Think Summer Fun Makes the Front Page of San Gabriel Valley Examiner
Our Think Summer program in Baldwin Park Unified School District (BPUSD) took the spotlight on the San Gabriel Valley Examiner! The incredible Think Together team at BPUSD created exciting, hands-on learning experiences that kept students engaged and inspired all summer long, helping them discover the joy of learning beyond the classroom.
For 15 years, Think Together students in Baldwin Park have experienced unforgettable moments due to the incredible partnership we share with BPUSD. Thanks to Superintendent Dr. Froilan Mendoza and Senior Director of Support Services and Title IX Coordinator Noreen Iwai-Ito, this collaboration has led to innovative ideas that help Think Together staff push the boundaries of what our students can experience.
Optima Tax Relief Strives to Make a Change with Book Donations Drive
Think Together’s partner, Optima Tax Relief, recently hosted their annual community donation drive, collecting 458 gently used books for students and families in Orange County along with other essentials! Through its company-wide initiative, Optima Cares, the program unites employees, leaders, and local partners around a shared mission: to uplift and support underserved communities through compassion, education, and direct service.
We’re incredibly grateful for partners like Optima Tax Relief, whose commitment to giving back continues to make a meaningful difference for students and their communities.
Think Together’s Creek View Elementary School Team Receives Certificate of Recognition
At Creek View Elementary School in Mountain View School District, District Representatives Neha Upadhyaya and Roxanna Gracia visited Think Together’s Afterschool Program for their End of Summer Culmination Parade. Students proudly showcased their handmade crafts for peers, families, and staff to admire.
The outstanding Think Together team at Creek View Elementary also received a certificate of recognition for their commitment to providing students with enriching opportunities that set them up for success.
Congratulations to the Creek View Elementary Think Together staff for their dedication to changing the odds for students!
Since 2023, Think Together has partnered with Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) to bring high-quality arts education to Orange County and San Bernardino County students through Think Together’s Arts Enrichment Accelerator program. Together, Think Together and OCSA have served over 3,000 students across Southern California.
Arts education remains a vital subject for students as it empowers them to discover their passions beyond the academic space, which is why Think Together is thrilled to expand the partnership with OCSA to Paramount Unified School District (PUSD). Paramount students from TK-8 can now immerse themselves in hands-on arts experiences in ballet folklórico and mariachi music taught by professional OCSA teaching artists.
Sound & Step to the Stage
During the spring, Think Together students in PUSD practiced over 10 weeks to master the art of ballet folklórico and mariachi music through dance technique, music coordination, teamwork, and much more. At the end of each practice period, students hosted a culminating showcase for friends and family to see their new talents in the spotlight.
“I love that they brought this program to the school, especially because it’s free,” said Stephanie Lopez, Think Together parent. “My daughter loves it and now that she’s going to middle school, she’s even considering participating in the dance program there because she realized she loves ballet folklórico and the performing aspect of it.”
Think Together’s overall goal with the Arts Enrichment Accelerator program is to make dynamic arts education accessible to a range of students, where they are not only able to express themselves creatively but also be introduced to diverse career options.
“The partnership that Think Together has with OCSA is incredible. They’re offering opportunities and expertise in this area where our students can experience things that they have never had before. Arts make us human, so it’s a terrific direction we’re moving in,” said Joyce Taylor, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Coordinator for PUSD.
During PUSD’s spring break, OCSA invited all 15 Paramount school sites that Think Together partners with on a field trip to their campus. Over 230 students from TK-8 participated in interactive workshops like dance, culinary arts, musical composition, artistic drawing, and ballet folklórico.
A Taste of the Arts
In addition to the visual and performing arts curriculum being implemented at PUSD, Paularino Elementary School in Newport-Mesa Unified School District also took part in an OCSA culinary arts pilot program this spring. Think Together students put on their chef aprons and cooked up delicious dishes like energy bars, pizza, cookies, and cupcakes. It was a well-rounded experience where students not only got to put a meal together but also learned the value of nutrition, recipes, and how to combine ingredients.
“It’s my first time learning to cook, and it’s just so cool and makes me curious to cook,” shared second grader Asher. “I’ve been super excited to eat what I make with my friends, and I’m happy to be in the program!”
Amplifying the Arts
Due to the partnership’s wide success, the Arts Enrichment Accelerator with OCSA will continue to expand into Think Together’s 2025 summer program at PUSD, which is expected to be the largest yet. Looking forward, Lynwood Unified School District is slated for the upcoming fall to take part in Think Together and OCSA’s partnership.
With Think Together’s commitment to creating endless opportunities for students and OCSA’s nationally recognized curriculum, this collaboration is transforming the afterschool space into a unique and impactful environment where creativity and enthusiasm thrive.
The Impact Portfolio Team is projected to expand Think Together’s reach to over 100,000 more students across California by 2029.
Santa Ana, Calif. (June 5, 2025)Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and school improvement services, is proud to welcome four new leaders to its growing Impact Portfolio team: Derek Lasher as Senior Vice President of Product; Anthony Monahan, Vice President of Product Design; Billy Cruz, Vice President of Software Engineering; and Johnny Santos, Chief of Staff.
With the completion of its strategic plan, Think Together is entering a new phase of growth focused on expanding its reach through digital products and AI tools. These innovations are part of the Impact Portfolio, a bold set of initiatives designed to ensure every child graduates high school with access to all of life’s possibilities. Reporting to Chief of Innovation Matt Scharpnick, these key leaders will support Think Together’s Impact Portfolio by accelerating its efforts to deliver tech-forward education solutions.
Derek Lasher, Senior Vice President of Product
In his role as SVP of Product, Derek Lasher will lead the design and development of a new suite of digital offerings for Think Together.
Lasher joined Think Together as a consultant in 2024 and became a full-time team member in April 2025. His team will partner closely to build AI-powered tools that support school leaders in driving student achievement.
Anthony Monahan, Vice President of Product Design
As VP of Product Design, Anthony Monahan will spearhead the Impact Portfolio product design and create AI-driven user experiences across all portfolio products.
Monahan joins Think Together from BCG X, where he served as a principal designer, and brings extensive experience in systems design, interaction design and digital strategy. His priority will be to advance a unified design system and craft AI-powered user experiences across the organization’s digital solutions.
Billy Cruz, Vice President of Software Engineering
Billy Cruz joins Think Together as Vice President of Software Engineering, where he will lead the engineering function within the Impact Portfolio.
He will focus on scaling digital infrastructure and integrating AI into product development. Cruz brings nearly 20 years of experience in software engineering, most recently as a principal engineer at BCG, where he led cross-functional teams in AI, cloud-native platforms, and full-stack development.
Johnny Santos, Chief of Staff, Impact Portfolio
As Chief of Staff, Johnny Santos will serve as a strategic partner to Scharpnick and the broader Impact Portfolio team.
Santos brings a strong background in scaling teams and systems during periods of rapid organizational growth. He will lead efforts to drive operational alignment, support cross-functional collaboration, and promote shared learning across the organization’s innovation efforts.
“As we move into a bold new chapter of growth and innovation, these leaders bring a dynamic combination of experience, creativity, and technical expertise that will help Think Together scale its impact,” said Think Together Founder and Randy Barth. “Each bring a track record of building successful teams and solutions that align perfectly with our vision to transform education systems.”
The Impact Portfolio, led by Scharpnick, brings together cross-functional leaders to design and scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions that expand educational opportunity and support student success statewide beyond Think Together’s core expanded learning services. Scharpnick returned to Think Together in May 2025 after serving as a director at BCG X, the digital and AI innovation arm of Boston Consulting Group.
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.
Barraza, a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, contributes to a team that delivered 8,000 resources and trained 1,500 staff to strengthen school-family connections across California
Santa Ana, Calif. (Date) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, is proud to recognize Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Melanie Barraza as the recipient of the 2025 Randy Barth Leadership Award.
As a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Coordinator in the Palm Springs region, Barraza was honored for her outstanding commitment to building meaningful relationships with families, expanding access to resources, and ensuring student success through equitable support. Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team plays a pivotal role in bridging families and site program managers to resources they need to realize a student’s full potential, regardless of their background.
“Melanie is a shining example of how leadership shows up in service to others,” said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. “Her dedication to families and commitment to our mission inspires all of us to go further in changing the odds for kids.”
The Randy Barth Leadership Award is a peer nominated recognition given annually to team members who embody Think Together’s mission, vision, and values through integrity, community impact, and inclusive leadership. The award celebrates individuals who lead by example to change the odds for kids, work to improve their communities, and inspire others through their passion, leadership, and integrity.
Barraza began her journey with Think Together in 2022 as a site program manager, where she gained firsthand experience working closely with students and families. In that time, Barraza has built strong relationships with businesses, organizations and resources throughout the Coachella Valley to support the students and families she serves.
“I plan to keep advocating for families by meeting them where they are and ensuring resources are shared in ways that support them and their unique needs,” said Barraza. “My goal is to create environments where every family feels seen, supported, and empowered.”
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.
For Think Summer 2025, students from Azusa Unified School District got a one-of-a-kind STEM experience during a field trip to the Main Event STEM Academy.
As part of their visit, students rotated through two interactive labs that made science and math come to life through culinary aspects and game engineering.
In the Game Lab, students became scientists of the arcade. They were immersed in hands-on lessons that explored the world of physics, probability, and experimental design. Think Together students investigated how Newton’s First Law and friction influenced air hockey, applied probability theories to arcade basketball, and identified independent and dependent variables while playing Skee-Ball.
After playing his favorite game, Skee-Ball, fifth grade student Cesar was left fascinated by the mechanics of the game. He shared that he didn’t realize that the games he loved to play used science.
By connecting these scientific concepts to real-world experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of the forces, patterns, and logic that shape how the games work.
After diving into the inner workings of arcade science, students stepped into the Pizza Lab, where math met mozzarella! In this engaging activity, students took a crash course in geometry and fractions to calculate the circumference, radius and diameter to create their pizzas. Through this culinary math lesson, students discovered that the kitchen can be a classroom too.
“I liked how we got to play and learn at the same time,” shared fourth grader Frank. “I didn’t know there was so much math and science in pizza and games!”
By making STEM concepts tangible and relevant, it can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help prevent summer learning loss. Feld trips like this remind us that sometimes the best way to learn is through play.
“Activities such as these are important for students because they not only allow them to be creative and explore different learning opportunities, but they also practice social-emotional learning by being with their friends,” shared Think Together Site Program Manager, Carmen Ramos.
As Think Together continues to bring high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities to students across California, it remains committed to providing year-round expanded learning that supports both academic growth and student engagement, both inside and outside the classroom.
The year is 2009 and Rachelle Adame has just spent her first day volunteering at Think Together. At that moment, she had no idea she would be with this organization on and off for the next 16 years. Flash forward to 2025, and Rachelle is excelling as the only High School Site Program Manager for Eisenhower High School in Rialto. She works to push the Workforce Readiness Education Program (W.R.E.P.) program and help her students go to their dream colleges. This is Rachelle’s story …
Why did you choose to work at Think Together?
I originally started with Think Together as a volunteer and had the opportunity to coach and support students. I genuinely enjoyed seeing the difference I could make in their lives, which inspired me to formally apply to work here. After some time, I stepped away to explore other opportunities, but I always found myself drawn back to the mission of Think Together. I returned because I truly believe in our impact on students and by giving a helping hand.
What is your favorite summer activity? Why?
I like to stay cool! I really enjoy grilling and hanging out in my backyard, especially during those long summer evenings. It’s the perfect time to play card games, listen to music and relax. I absolutely love treating myself to ice cream or snow cones, especially on hot days. When it gets too warm, I’m all for watching a good movie or spending time anywhere with a strong AC!
What accomplishments have you or your team done this year that has filled you with the most pride? (Be specific) Why?
I’m most proud of our success with W.R.E.P. Through this program, students gain essential skills such as resume writing, professionalism, interview techniques, how to dress for success, financial literacy and real-world experience through a paid internship. This year, more than 45 students completed the W.R.E.P. classes and 24 of them went on to participate in the paid internship portion.
What made this achievement especially meaningful was hearing the interns’ presentations at the end of the program. Watching them reflect on their growth and confidently share what they learned was incredibly fulfilling.
What is your “senior quote ” for this school year? Why?
“Remember who you are and be the best version of yourself. And always make good choices!” I say this to my students regularly because I want them to stay true to themselves while striving for growth. It’s a reminder that their character matters, and that every decision they make shapes their future. Simple, but powerful words they can carry with them.
What makes a ‘good day’ at Eisenhower High School?
It’s when we reach that one student. It’s about making a difference whether it’s helping them feel safe, heard or simply reminding them that they matter. To me, success isn’t always measured in numbers, but in those meaningful moments where a student feels supported and knows they’re not alone. At Eisenhower High School and Think Together, we strive to create a sense of family, and a good day is when a student truly feels that they belong.
Do you have a student story that stuck with you?
I’ve had the privilege of working with a student who joined our program as a sophomore. Over the years, she became a student leader and was also captain of our dance team. This year, she graduated and will be attending the University of California, Merced in the fall.
She holds a special place in my heart because I witnessed tremendous growth in her both personally and academically. At the end of the year, when I said goodbye, she shared something that truly touched me: she said Think Together was like her second home, a safe place where “Mrs. Rachelle had everything I ever needed.”
What made it even more special is that she now wants to apply to work for Think Together in the Bay Area this fall. This story stuck with me because it’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
How do you navigate being the only High School Site Program Manager in your region ?
It can be hard being the only one in my region, but I use this as an opportunity to adapt. I pull what I can from shared resources and modify them to fit the high school environment. I’ve also taken the initiative to educate others. I had the opportunity to present an overview of our high school program to my district team. This helped create more awareness and understanding, which I believe is a step in the right direction. I’ve learned that advocating for the unique needs of high school students is an important part of my role, and I try to approach it with both flexibility and a solutions-focused mindset.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending quality time with my family and playing games together. I love to have fun. Whether it’s listening to music, cooking a good meal or working with my hands, I find a lot of joy in building and fixing things. There’s something really satisfying about taking something apart and putting it back together or creating something from scratch. It’s my way of relaxing, being creative and staying active.
