Think Together, Author at Think Together

The company has provided $500,000 in funding throughout its five-year partnership with Think Together supporting afterschool programs in its Los Angeles and Orange County school districts.

Long Beach, Calif. (June 12, 2024) Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning, and school improvement programs, announced today that Boeing has awarded a $100,000 grant to support STEM, coding and robotics programs throughout Think Together afterschool programs in Los Angeles and Orange County school districts.

The grant renews Boeing’s investment in Think Together’s Coding For All initiative, which includes curriculum focused on visual and text-based code editing, rapid prototyping, STEM career explorations, Invention Adventures activities, and Hack Clubs for K-12 students.

“Forging partnerships with organizations like Think Together and supporting impactful initiatives like Coding For All helps enable future leaders in STEM to hone their skills, pursue their dreams and leverage their passion to launch a career,” said Adam Galia, Senior Government and Community Relations Specialist at Boeing.

Throughout its five-year partnership with Boeing, Think Together has served more than 12,000 students across 61 K-12 schools with coding and robotics programs starting in Compton Unified and Lynwood Unified School Districts before expanding its investment to include Bellflower Unified, Orange Unified and Paramount Unified School Districts. During the 2023-2024 school year, this equated to 3,660 students served with lesson plans, supplies and equipment needed to explore STEM subjects.

Think Together’s afterschool expanded learning programs are funded in part by After School Education and Safety (ASES) grants awarded by the California Department of Education and 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants secured from the U.S. Department of Education. California has the largest system of publicly backed expanded learning in the nation.

To curb learning loss and expand access to expanded learning, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, committed a record $5 billion investment by 2025 for afterschool programs as part of a historic $123 billion funding bill to support K-12 schools. Organizations like Think Together rely on public grants as well as private philanthropy to bring high-quality education programs from preschool to high school.

“We are grateful for partners like Boeing who believe education is the key to changing the odds for kids,” says Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. “STEM knowledge is integral to future success and Think Together is proud to offer that knowledge to students through our partnership.”

In addition to corporate charitable investments, Boeing employees have served as Think Together volunteers, offering their time and talent as science competition judges, career mentors and event speakers. Boeing invested $191 million in communities globally in 2023, including $15 million in California.

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 https://bit.ly/ThinkHome_.

About Boeing

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

Think Together is proud to announce that Boeing has once again awarded a $100,000 grant to support STEM, coding and robotics programs throughout Think Together afterschool programs in Los Angeles and Orange County school districts.

Throughout its five-year partnership with Think Together, Boeing has provided $500,000 in funding supporting afterschool programs in its Los Angeles and Orange County school districts.

“Forging partnerships with organizations like Think Together and supporting impactful initiatives like Coding For All, helps enable future leaders in STEM to hone their skills, pursue their dreams and leverage their passion to launch a career,” said Adam Galia, Senior Government and Community Relations Specialist at Boeing.

Boeing and Think Together have served more than 12,000 students across 61 K-12 schools with coding and robotics programs starting in Compton Unified and Lynwood Unified School Districts before expanding its investment to include Bellflower Unified, Orange Unified and Paramount Unified School Districts.

During the 2023-2024 school year, this equated to 3,660 students served with lesson plans, supplies and equipment needed to explore STEM subjects. This includes students like Noemi, an incoming Junior at Compton High School, who discovered her passion for coding and robotics as a student leader with Think Together’s drone club, supported by the Boeing grant.

Think Together is proud to partner with Boeing to continue to bring unlimited opportunities and resources to the students we serve to foster their horizons and get them more interested in potential STEM related careers.

Follow Think Together on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more stories.

Over the past decade, Diana Reyes has worn many hats. She has been a Quality Assurance Coach, Site Coordinator and is now a Site Program Manager for the San Bernardino Northeast Region. The pride Diana takes in coaching her staff and maintaining program quality is the reason many students see her as a positive light. Read more about Diana Reyes!

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.

I’m a former afterschool kid that grew up in the inner city of Boyle Heights. The housing projects I grew up in were infested with gangs, drugs, and violence. The afterschool program kept us out of harm’s way. It was a safe haven for us to be free, be kids, and have fun! The fact that I’m able to guide, teach, and be a pillar to my students and community keeps me motivated. It really is a full circle moment for me and continues to motivate me daily.

What is one thing you are proud of your team accomplishing this school year? What were some challenges, and what were some successes?

We faced a few challenges in the beginning of this school year. We had some staffing issues but luckily my team and I were able to rely on each other. My team managed to balance the shortage and rolled out new curriculum at the same time. I am so proud of my team, and the way we stick together. Champions!

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

One student story that stuck with me is with a former student, Ashley. Ashley surprised me with a gift card and a devotional. She said that my positive influence inspired her to become a professional photographer. I’m very humbled and grateful that I was able to guide her in the right direction. Students coming back to tell me about their amazing career plans reminds me that what I am doing is making a difference.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years? Why?

Every day is a fresh start, work through your challenges and create new opportunities. The best view comes after the hardest climb. Working with students is not a science, there is no formula to make sure everything works out perfectly all the time. But these mantras help me stay on track and serve as a reminder for not just myself, but my staff and students.

Can you share any tips to maintaining a motivated and positive work environment with your team?

Stay open-minded and be solution oriented. Encourage your team, recognize, praise your team, celebrate wins, reflect, and debrief. Promote culture and keep the communication lines open!

How would you describe your role to someone who is thinking of becoming a Site Program Manager (SPM)? What tips would you give them to prepare for this role?

As an SPM you wear many hats. You must be comfortable not being comfortable (sometimes). Consistency, hard work, and dedication all go hand-in hand. Be open to ideas from your team and build relationships with stakeholders, parents, staff, and the community. Most of all, be the change you want to see.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun? 

I spend time with my family! I have three wonderful boys and I’m blessed to be their momma. #boymom

Another year down, another class of bright seniors join our ranks of amazing alumni!

Every year, Think Together guides hundreds of high school seniors towards graduation and equips them with the tools they need to excel after leaving the program. Whether that be pursuing a higher education, joining the workforce, or any other aspirations our students might have to pursue.

Get to know some of our distinguished alumni and all the amazing things they’re up to now.

Building the Way as a Future Engineer

One of Think Together’s 2021 Good to Great scholarship recipient and guest speaker at our 2023 Inland Empire Education and Workforce Readiness Summit, alumni Diego has continued to shine bright.

He’s currently a junior at the University of California, Irvine where he’s studying mechanical engineering.

As co-director of UCI’s Engineering Student Council outreach committee, he has mentored local middle and high school students by sharing what the engineering field is like.

Diego is also part of the Anteater Formula Racing Team, where a group of students design an F1 racing car and compete alongside 100 other universities across the U.S.

Diego attributes many of his mentorship qualities and leadership skills to Think Together and encourages current students to take advantage of the resources provided.

“Think Together is a great organization, not only for the connection that you’ll have with your friends, but also how it builds you as well,” Diego said. “I was able to start my school’s first Think Together Hack Club, so being able to run those meetings built my public speaking skills and my confidence as well.”

Leading the Way as a Leader

From Think Together student to now site program manager within the organization, alumni Gabriela is continuing to change the odds!

She was a Think Together 2021 Faces of the Future scholarship recipient and started as a program leader in Think Together’s Northeast San Bernardino region.

Gabriela has now moved up to manage the same school site she began in as a program leader! She is also currently studying criminology at Chaffey College.

She recounts that much of her personal and professional growth was due to the mentorship and support she received during her time as a Think Together student, and now as a staff member.

“I have more experience on how to talk professionally, how to work with adults, be more organized, and show more leadership skills,” Gabriela said. “I decided to become a Think Together staff member because I enjoy the environment and how students get to experience many extracurricular activities that they don’t get to do during the regular school day.”

Gabriela aspires to climb up the ladder within Think Together and possibly one day work closely alongside our founder and CEO, Randy Barth.

Changing the Odds for Communities

Gabriel has jumped to new levels since graduating from Think Together’s after school program. He is a junior at Dartmouth College studying political science and philosophy.

Gabriel has developed a passion for dismantling disparity within under resourced, low-income communities. It has led him to pursue internships within organizations like Rising Communities and the Dartmouth Sustainability Center.

While he was a Think Together student, Gabriel always advocated for new club opportunities for his peers. Now, he continues the work in intern roles like at Rising Communities, where he mentored other students. Gabriel lives out his title as one of the Think Together 2022 Faces of the Future scholarship recipient.

Gabriel credits his work establishing himself as an independent individual to Think Together’s support!

“Think Together really gave me those skills you need for independence. Like decision making skills and critical thinking skills, things that you use in your everyday life, especially as a first-generation college student. Being in Think Together really helped me cultivate those skills that I needed to be successful and be able to make right decisions.”

Working Towards a Brighter Future

Kaiya, one of Think Together’s 2023 Good to Great Scholarship recipient, is continuing to pursue her dreams and is working toward getting her bachelor’s degree in social work at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Despite only being a freshman, Kaiya has big plans for her future: to graduate with a master’s degree in social work. She is following in the footsteps of her mom who currently works as a social worker.

Kaiya says that many of the tools she needed to succeed in college she learned during her time at Think Together, especially the support she received from her site program manager Ms. Stacey.

“Think Together to me is family. Ms. Stacey was my site program manager all throughout middle school and she ended up working at the high school that I was at for the first two years I was there,” Kaiya said. “During COVID when we were doing things together online, she was a big support. I was able to get my food handlers and my driver’s education through the program, both of which were a huge help.”

She has been transitioning into her first year of college with no hassle and has been getting accustomed to college life. Since Kaiya has cultivated a passion for uplifting communities, she has been interested in joining clubs on campus that provide support to those in need.

Paving the Way for Women in STEM

Alumni and a Think Together 2022 Faces of the Future scholarship recipient, Katrina is following in the medical science footsteps of her family, as a sophomore bioengineering major at the University of California, Riverside.

Since graduating from the Think Together program, Katrina has created big goals for herself to one day work in the medical supply manufacturing industry and obtain a master’s degree in a STEM field.

Katrina values the networking skills she cultivated during her time as a Think Together student and the leadership qualities she acquired while being an intern within the student leadership program for Think Together.

“Think Together to me was like my family and my friends. They helped me prepare for university and for my potential career, not just academically but on a social level. Networking is probably the most important thing to do and being able to communicate,” Katrina said. “That’s what Think Together really emphasized because it wasn’t just about helping each other with homework or clubs, but also being able to interact with each other.”

Katrina is excited for what lies ahead of her and can’t wait to build her career in the bioengineering world and hopes to work directly in the field, rather than be behind a desk.

Think Together is honored to have lit the path for each of these students and the many more who have gone before and will come after them. We are excited to see where the bright futures take them! We wish them all the best as they build their careers and accomplish their goals.

Schools are communities for students, educators and parents to come together and form a safe place of learning and acceptance. Schools are a place where everyone is welcomed with open arms.

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

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

Kindergarten to 5^th grade

Elementary students are always looking for the next sign of fun, so why not mix in some learning and make it even more meaningful! An idea for inclusive and creative arts and crafts could be to have students draw what their own family looks like. It’ll help them see that not every family is the same and they take many shapes and sizes.

Creating their own version of what a pride flag is can help students express their own pride in themselves and what it means to be prideful. Reading them books that promote inclusivity and teach them about what Pride Month is and who it represents, is a good way to help them visualize and understand through literature.

Think Together also works with curriculum partners like Fulcrum to supply students with social emotional learning (SEL) activities that support the importance of self-expression, trust, collaboration, encouragement and much more. Fulcrum provides students with physical activities that build confidence and opportunities for connection.

6^th grade to 8^th grade

Middle school students are in a stage when they are starting to figure out who they are and they are likely going through changes they may not fully understand.

One way to help them feel more comfortable and supported is to create a kindness wall that has positive affirmations for their peers to read. A “Take One, Give One” board is also another way that allows middle schoolers to spread kindness and support by taking a positive affirmation and either giving it to someone or leaving another behind to brighten someone else’s day.

9^th grade to 12^th grade

High school students tend to be more expressive and have learned to create a set of personal values and opinions that reflect who they are. High school can be a bumpy rollercoaster with emotional twists and turns, so it’s important to remind students to love and accept themselves.

A meaningful and engaging way to help students showcase this is by having them write a love letter to themselves. It helps them develop their creative writing skills and uplift their self-esteem. It could be a letter to their future self, past self, or a thank you for all they’ve accomplished. It’s also important to teach high school students how to be an ally for the community and have social awareness of those around them. It can prevent bullying and encourage empathy and compassion for their peers.

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

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Since 2015, State Farm has supported the Think Together DriveSafe Program and Workforce Readiness and Education Program at four high schools in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. At two schools in Perris, one in Azusa and one in La Puente, high school students learn safe driving habits, earn their learner’s permit and participate in skill-based workshops that help develop crucial employability skills.

Students participate in the 8-week DriveSafe program with Think Together Older Youth Leaders teaching students general driving responsibilities, signs and signals, and the effects of alcohol and drugs while driving. Upon passing the post-assessment, students are eligible to participate in the Driver’s Education program. Students are eligible to take their permit test at the DMV at the end of both components.

“From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat ™ State Farm® is committed to keeping everyone safe on our roadways,” said Sarah Johnson, Corporate Responsibility Analyst at State Farm.” Our support of the Think Together DriveSafe Program is another way to positively influence teens’ behaviors behind the wheel.”

One of the program sites, Bassett High School, has excellent turnout for program attendance and enrollment. “The DriveSafe program gives us great knowledge of the road and makes me feel more prepared to drive,” said Isaiah, an 11th grader at Bassett High School.

The leadership at Bassett High School has noticed that the program has benefited students by helping them build connections and receive information beyond the driver’s handbook.

Older Youth Leader Angel, who conducts the program, feels this opportunity gives the students great agency. “From my personal experience, being able to interact with the students and teach additional information beyond what the driver’s manual teaches is impactful in teaching them the skills needed to be safe drivers,” shared Angel.

Angel uses slideshows and pictures during lessons and speaks about personal experiences driving to give students a holistic perspective on driving on the roads.

Not only can the students learn the educational side of driving, but they can also gain personal connections from the program’s experience.

“The program has given students the flexibility to complete it at their own pace, as well as allowing kids who normally don’t interact with each other a chance to build relationships,” mentioned Site Program Manager Elizabeth Portugal.

State Farm is proud to support the Think Together driver’s education and the Workforce Readiness and Education Program (WREP) to Think Together high school students at the high schools previously mentioned. WREP provides skill-based workshops to over 200 Think Together students across four high schools, including internships, support from Think Together staff in the application process, interview skills, and resume help. DriveSafe will help put safer teen drivers on the road, as studies show that teen drivers who have not completed driver’s education are 16 percent more likely to have a crash. A permit will grant the autonomy needed to participate in community internships and commute to jobs and other commitments.

Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more stories.

Think Together’s Colton Joint Unified School District Partnership with Dhasa Care Foundation Is a Crowd Favorite

Think Together’s Colton Joint Unified School District has been in the limelight as they develop different ways to improve student environment. After the district’s recent partnership with the Dhasa Care Foundation, students from four Colton Joint Unified School District sites gathered at Joe Baca Middle School to showcase their skills and talent. Dhasa’s mission is to enhance the lives of students through music and art, providing them with a social environment that will build social skills, new relationships, and much more. Thank you to Fontana Herald News for highlighting the work done by the Dhasa Care Foundation and Colton Joint Unified School District!

Colton City News and IE Community News also joined in on the celebration of Think Together’s 2024 Champion of Change Award recipient Colton Joint Unified School District. Think Together’s 14-year partnership with this district has been nothing short of impactful as they continue enhancing student lives through educational opportunities.

Think Together Program Leader Patricia Cetnarowski Receives Site Lead Award at 2024 Celebrating ExL Champions Awards

The celebration continues as one of Think Together’s program leaders, Patricia Cetnarowski, receives the Site Lead Award at the 2024 Celebrating ExL Champions Awards. Patricia has been working as an educator for over 30 years. Through her work at Dollahan Elementary School in the Rialto Unified School district, she has been able to improve program quality, which has shown through her ability to provide students with exceptional support.

Congratulations, Patricia!

Think Together Shines at the LA Business Journal: 2024 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards

This May, Think Together was recognized at the 2024 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards in four categories.

Think Together’s Southeast Los Angeles team, led by General Manager Lesley Martin, was honored as a finalist for the 2024 Nonprofit Team of the Year Award. The staff culture within this team has encouraged them to go above and beyond for Think Together students, fostering strong relationships with school and corporate foundation partners like The Boeing Company and LA Dodgers Foundation. In Summer 2023, this team provided nearly 150 second-grade students across four schools in Compton Unified and Lynwood Unified School Districts the opportunity to participate in readings by the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, former pitcher Dennis Powell and former outfielder Al Ferrara.

Boeing was also recognized as a nominee for the 2024 Outstanding Collaboration Between a Business and a Nonprofit. Boeing has provided Think Together’s Southeast Los Angeles and Orange County schools with STEM, coding and robotics program curriculum and resources. Over its five-year partnership with Boeing, Think Together has served more than 12,000 students across 61 K-12 schools. During the 2023-2024 school year, this equated to 3,660 students served with lesson plans, supplies and equipment needed to explore STEM subjects.

Last but not least, Think Together’s Chief Operating Officer Tia Dwyer was named a finalist for the 2024 Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award. Tia’s ability to lead with excellence for over 17 years has encouraged prosperity across all Think Together. Through her knowledge and strategic vision, Tia has established a 50-person talent acquisition team, hiring over 5,000 people this last year.

Congratulations to all the finalists and nominees!

CORRECTION: BOOST 2024 Fuels Change and Ignites Excellence of Afterschool Professionals

In our last Think in the News, we shared the amazing Think Together staff that took part in the 2024 BOOST conference. However, we missed the opportunity to share two Think Together partners who also offered valuable knowledge on how to improve expanded learning for all students. With that, we’d like to acknowledge the following presenters:

College and Career Success for All: Partnering with AVID

Juan Vasquez Varela, Director of Student Impact
Dr. Trent Mohrbutter

Expanding Student and Self-Awareness and Career Exposure with Find Your Grind

Eric Sarb, Account Executive
Erika Somogyi, Customer Success Manager

Through their presentations, AVID and Find Your Grind offered insightful information to numerous in and out-of-school time professionals who are seeking different methods to establish an environment where every student can excel.

This month has been filled with tremendous accomplishments worth acknowledging. As Think Together continues to grow, the ability to change the odds becomes more compelling as we work towards expanding our reach to students across California.

Think Together’s San Bernardino Regions Honored for Exemplary Work in Expanded Learning

At a reception on Friday, May 3, Think Together’s San Bernardino County Region General Manager Rhonda Scott was named a recipient of a Celebrating ExL Champions Award by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Think Together’s San Bernardino is one of Think Together’s fastest growing regions, serving over 27,000 students and has grown five times in size over the last four years.

In addition, California State Assembly Majority Eloise Gómez Reyes recently announced that both Rhonda and San Bernardino County Region General Manager Alberto Barajas will be honored as part of the 50th Assembly District 2024 Non-profit of the Year awards. Every year, the California State Assembly honors nonprofits from across the state for their contributions to the community in celebration of the California Nonprofit of the Year Initiative.

The accolades don’t stop there. In celebration of its collaborative partnership trailblazing transformative change for students, Colton Joint Unified School District, a school partner within Think Together ‘s San Bernardino Region, was recently honored as Think Together’s 2024 Champions of Change. Through our 14 years of partnership, Colton Joint Unified has worked towards expanding their daily program hours for before and after school learning, to nine hours at certain schools. Think Together Serves 22 school sites in Colton Joint Unified and supports more than 3,500 students with expanded learning opportunities.

Learn more about Colton Joint Unified and its work with Think Together here.

Congratulations San Bernardino odds-changers!

BOOST 2024 Fuels Change and Ignites Excellence of Afterschool Professionals

The BOOST Conference never fails to exceed expectations. With a dedication to learning and growing, every year the BOOST Conference delivers more insight that helps in and out-of-school time professionals. This year, Think Together is proud to recognize a full slate of our own speakers that shared their knowledge:

Professional Development, Retention, and Leadership

Dr. Crystal Robinson, Director of Organization Development and Learning
Taylor Mayer, Talent Development and Learning Manager

Cultivating Meaningful Partnerships at Every Level

Johana Lizarraga, Executive General Manager
Samira Mejia, General Manager
Maria Bolivar, Director of Program and Operations
Ricardo Molina, Quality Assurance Coach
Veronica Vallejo, Sire Program Manager

Family and Community Engagement at School Sites

Joel Salazar, LAM Region
Aimee Rodrigues, SGV Region
Breanna Hererra, LAM Region
Sara Orellana, LAM Region

Attracting and Retaining Top-Tier Talent

Holly Perry, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition
Allison Lyon, Director of Talent Acquisition

Expanding Student and Self-Awareness and Career Exposure with Find Your Grind

Eric Sarb, Account Executive
Erika Somogyi, Customer Success Manager

College and Career Success for All: Partnering with AVID

Juan Vazquez Varela, Director of Student Impact
Dr. Trent Mohrbutter

With over 3,000 in and out-of-school time professionals in attendance, more than 200 workshops, master classes and more, it’s impossible to leave this event without learning a new way to make an impact.

Leaders Gather to Spark Change at 2024 Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit

As covered in the Inland Empire Business Journal, more than 200 educators, business leaders and elected officials shared their insights on how communities can bridge the gap between education and the workforce at the fourth annual Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit.

The summit opened with Jusbith Aguayo, a student speaker from Eisenhower High School, who shared how Think Together transformed her young life, giving her the skills needed to land a job and excel in today’s workforce. Jusbith was followed by an expert panel discussing how businesses, academic institutions and local governments can create opportunities for the next generation of talent.

The afternoon was capped with a keynote address from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond who emphasized the importance of ensuring access to top-tier education and the necessity for ongoing collaboration between educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Thank you to Kaiser Permanente for sponsoring this event that encourages change beyond the classroom.

Julie Miller-Phipps Mentioned in Orange County Register

The recent appointment of Julie Miller-Phipps to Think Together’s Board of Directors was mentioned in the Orange County Register. Julie joins Think Together with over 40 years of experience as President of Kaiser Permanente of Southern California and Hawaii. Using her experience and mission-driven work ethic, Julie plans to support Think Together as we continue to expand our reach.

Think Together staff has taken pivotal moves on its mission to change the odds, bringing us closer every day to closing the achievement gap. The devotion that staff bring to the workplace daily is truly inspiring. Thank you all for contributing to Think Together’s efforts to make a difference.

Soledad Reyes has spent almost a decade with Think Together as a Program Leader. It has been a decade filled with student stories, overcoming obstacles, and changing the odds for kids. Soledad’s energetic and fun approach to learning is what makes her teaching so impactful. Take a moment to learn more about Soledad!

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.

The kids have always been my inspiration. Being able to receive their smiles and know I am helping them makes every day better. I am personally motivated by Think Together’s mission to change the odds for kids and the students’ success and happiness is the most important part to me. I am thankful that Think Together has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the world and in my community.

What is one thing you are proud of your team accomplishing this school year? What were some challenges, and what were some successes?

One challenge was not having a School Site Coordinator and trying to work as a team as we navigated this tough obstacle. Although stressful, this situation helped my colleagues and me become closer and rely on our skills as Program Leaders. Thankfully, we were able to successfully kick off the new curriculum and have seen amazing results within our community, and especially with the students. It helps to know that through any hardships, we are still able to give students a great program.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years? Why?

The motto that I have always put into practice is to do the best of the best of the best! It may seem like a tongue twister, but it is a fun reminder to always put your best foot forward and lead with a positive attitude.

If you could go back to your very first day, what advice would you give yourself? Why?

To not be afraid to try new things! I used to be super nervous about working with computers because I was not tech savvy. I used to think that computers and technology were just not for me. But working at Think Together has made me realize technology is meant to make my life easier and save me time so I can focus more on students.

Is there a student story or memory in general that sticks out to you? Why?

The students who always come to mind are the ones who come to program without knowing English and six months later they can communicate in both their native language and English. These student stories stick with me because it means a lot to provide a safe space for students to come while they are navigating life in a new place. Our team works so hard to make sure every student gets the most out of our program and when they truly succeed it makes me feel that the effort we put in is worth it.

You have an energetic approach to learning with the students, what are some of your favorite songs or practices to help students learn?

It is so important to keep learning fun and energetic since students are full of life! Some of my favorite songs to help students learn are days of the week, color songs and the ABC song. These may seem like basic songs, but it is a fun way to get students excited for our next lesson or offer a way for students to leave behind their nerves and shyness. Learning goes beyond pen and paper!

Outside of work, what do you do for fun? 

I like to spend time with my grandchildren and go to the movies. You can find me doing arts and crafts to decorate my house or to give as gifts to my friends and family.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a time when people around the world come together to raise awareness about mental health issues and the resources that are available for people to manage conditions. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health,” 1 in 6 kids ages six to 17 in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder.” Depression is the condition most experienced by youth with roughly 11.5% of youth experiencing severe major depression and higher rates (16.5%) for children identifying as more than one race, according to a report from Mental Health America.  

It is more important than ever that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons are taught in schools, and Trauma-Informed Care will help bridge the gap between living with a mental health condition and managing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. By prioritizing SEL, adolescents will learn tools to cope with stress, manage their emotions, create and reach goals, and participate in healthy behavior. 

Think Together has made it a priority to implement social and emotional lessons into our curriculum to remind our students that there is support and help. 

What Are We Teaching? 

In addition to providing students with the academic support needed to be successful in their adult lives, Think Together serves as a safe place for students to feel a sense of belonging and explore themselves and the world around them. 

Think Together is implementing the “Being My Best Self” lesson plan into our elementary grades, third to sixth grade, as part of our Before-School Program. This lesson teaches students how everyone connects through emotions, thoughts, and actions. Students are also taught strategies and use self-talk to develop a growth mindset. 

Think Together curriculum partners Find Your Grind and Kinflow also offer Social Emotional Learning lessons through sports and through an educational online platform that allows students to engage in different lessons plans for all grade levels. Think Together also offers The Achievery for high school students. The Achievery is an educational online platform developed by AT&T into curriculum that has SEL lessons for mental health management as well.

It is programs such as these that keep mental health in our youth at the center of learning and a haven for students to rely on when they are having struggles mentally, academically, and emotionally.  

Putting In the Work 

Here are five ways you can easily manage stress in challenging situations: 

Listen to music: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation, take a break and listen to relaxing or your favorite music. This will help lower cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the hormones linked to stress. 

Talk it out with a friend: When you feel stressed, call a good friend, and discuss your problems. Another voice can help put things into perspective. 

Eat Right: To improve our moods, we should eat healthier foods rather than sugary, fatty snack foods. Fruits, vegetables, and anything with high omega-3 acids, like fish, are better options. 

Exercise (even for a minute): You don’t need to do anything extreme, but standing up to stretch or even going for a walk in the fresh air and sun not only gives us vitamin D but also improves our mood by releasing endorphins. 

Seek therapy or resources: Sometimes, talking to a licensed professional can be a better option for getting your feelings off your chest and learning stress coping strategies that can be utilized in a stressful moment or episode. 

Dealing with mental health challenges can make you feel lonely and isolated at times. However, some resources can help give you tools to manage these feelings. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, use these resources below to get the support needed. 

HELP HOTLINES: 

Mental Health Emergency Hotline: 988 

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

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

Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-366-8288 