Paving a Path for Brighter Futures at the 21st Annual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge 

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.

Thanks to Think Together’s generous corporate and foundation partners, more elementary and middle school students have been introduced to hands-on STEM programming and learning opportunities. This growing demand underscores the importance of providing students with early exposure to STEM education. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM careers are projected to grow 8% by the end of 2029, compared to 3.7% of other occupations. With STEM careers in high demand, Think Together works with its partners to bring real-world STEM-based curriculum into its programs, allowing more students access to science and engineering career pathways. 

To make this possible Boeing, Edison International, Broadcom, and Honda have each helped enhance the opportunities in STEM that are offered to the students Think Together serves every day.   

Boeing Continues to Invest in STEM, Coding and Robotics for LA and OC Students 

Now in our sixth year of partnership, Boeing is investing in Think Together’s STEM, coding and robotics programs at 68 schools in Los Angeles and Orange County school districts, serving over 4,000 students.

Boeing’s continued support of Think Together’s Coding For All initiative enhances curriculum that focuses heavily on text-based code editing, rapid prototyping, STEM career explorations, Invention Adventures activities, and hack clubs for K-12 students. 

Students like Noemi, who developed a passion for coding through Compton High School’s drone program and stood out as the leader of the drone club on campus, have been able to flourish thanks to Boeing’s funding.

Student in red hoodie holding a small drone on a school track.
Edison International Powers STEM Programs in the Inland Empire

Longtime corporate partner Edison International brings STEM, coding, and robotics education to 900 students across 10 middle schools in Jurupa Valley, Perris, and Rialto. Students at Rialto Middle School engage in the Sphero robotics curriculum to activate BOLT robots, a STEM robot that empowers students to explore their creativity, coding skills, and inventiveness.

Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, has a 20-year history with Think Together with catalytic investments in our STEM programming for students in the Inland Empire.

Beyond financial contributions, they have participated as guest judges for the California Invention Convention, a statewide competition with more than 20,000 participants. Each year, 400 chosen school representatives are selected to showcase their innovative household inventions and earn recognition among their peers.

Student focused on a tablet while working with robotic spheres in a classroom setting.
Broadcom Opens More Doors to STEM Opportunities

Since 2010, Broadcom has worked with Think Together to provide laptops and technology to students and staff across the state.

Over this period, Broadcom has donated close to 4,000 laptops to Think Together to help students prepare for highly competitive STEM related jobs in emerging industries that utilize technology.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadcom helped close the digital divide by donating laptops to students at Roosevelt Elementary School, as well as to students throughout the district.

Two students using a laptop and learning together in class.
Honda Joins the Race in Supporting STEM Programming

Honda started its partnership to support expanding STEM, coding and robotics programs for the first time in 2024. Launching in Paramount Unified School District, Honda’s support is impacting more than 900 elementary and middle school students at 15 schools with project-based STEM learning.

At Howard Tanner Elementary School, students engage with LEGO® STEM kits by creating their own functioning theme parks that cover coding and engineering principles. This interactive approach gives students a firsthand look at what it’s like to be an engineer, sparking curiosity and innovation.

Honda’s mission of giving back to students and education is evident in their philosophy of solving today’s problems for tomorrow’s challenges. With STEM education as a top priority, Honda and Think Together aim to create opportunities that inspire students to explore, innovate, and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce. 

Students collaborating on a STEM project using LEGO and laptops.

Think Together is proud to work alongside these partners to create pathways to STEM careers. Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more exciting stories.  

“I’m enjoying the rhythm of it all.”

This is the positive outlook Maria Medina uses to describe both her life and her role as a Program Leader at Wilson Elementary in Lynwood. Her contagious and genuine love for her career over the past nine years has been the driving force behind her success. Read below to learn how Maria effectively bridges the gap between students, parents and teachers…all with a smile!

What continues to inspire your work at Think Together?

My students and team are a constant source of inspiration. I genuinely love coming to work each day, knowing we’re making a difference by helping students with their homework and providing them with a safe environment. Even though my days are long, and I am juggling multiple jobs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I especially appreciate Ms. White or as I know her, Shoma, and the trust she’s placed in me. She’s taught me so much, and I’ve grown tremendously in this role because of her guidance.

Would you rather be able to speak to animals or speak all languages fluently and which animal or language would you be most excited about?

 I’d love to speak other languages, even the language of animals! As a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, I often find myself translating and seeing the relief on people’s faces when I can bridge that communication gap. This truly brings me joy. It’s especially important to me because my parents only speak Spanish. I hope that if I’m not around, someone will be there to help them.

What has been your favorite project at Think Together?

One of my favorite projects was coaching the elementary school basketball team last year. Although I didn’t have much basketball experience, I dedicated myself to learning, using videos and working with a parent volunteer. It was amazing to see how the kids and I progressed. Our team was undefeated and took first place for the basketball season! Their happiness was contagious, and I was so proud of their hard work.

If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be?

Right now, my life’s theme song would probably be Cumbia Cusinela. I don’t understand the lyrics, but the rhythm is great. That’s how I feel about my life at the moment – I’m not entirely sure if I’m on the right track, but things are flowing smoothly, and I’m enjoying the rhythm of it all.

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

Walt Disney’s quote, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them,” has been a guiding principle for me. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, I remember that the only way to know the outcome is to try. So, I offer a prayer, hope for the best, and take the leap. 

You have been with Think Together for almost 10 years, what has been your biggest takeaway from working at this organization and in the education field? 

My biggest takeaway is the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, no matter what the day brings. While some days will be better than others, our students are always watching us, and it’s crucial that we project positivity so we can support them in every way possible.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

I enjoy baking, shopping, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Think Together alumna Esther took the path of exploration far and wide to establish her widely popular Beauty and Brains Academy, a club at Compton High School. Creating a space that opens the door for many creative outlets is key for student expression and exploration.

Esther’s cosmetology club was born out of a desire to have a space where self-confidence and creativity could be cultivated by teaching various beauty tips and tricks, as a tool to make a great first impression!

Think Together gives high school students opportunities to grow by offering them the agency to establish and lead clubs that explore unique and diverse interests such as STEM, cooking, cosmetology, gaming, and many more.

Esther was only a high school sophomore when the idea to create the Beauty and Brains Academy came to her. The academy quickly gained popularity. There are regular student attendees and plans to become a school-wide elective at Compton High School.

In addition to being a club founder, Esther had already been involved in Think Together’s high school internship program where she shared the responsibility of supporting with leadership site visits, afterschool events, and tabling to invite students to join the program.

“I used to be really shy and quiet. Because of Think Together, I feel more confident. Like anything is possible,” shared Esther. When asked if she thought her interest in makeup could lead to a career path, she answered, “I didn’t even know it was a possibility, but now I know it could be.”

As the Beauty and Brains Academy continues to grow, so does the support it receives from people in the community. Many Los Angeles based influencers like Charis Smith have coordinated donations with other online influencers to gift unused beauty PR packages to Think Together cosmetology clubs like Esther’s!

“Growing up in L.A. it is so easy to fall down the wrong path, so nonprofits like Think Together are really changing that dynamic and helping guide these students to an amazing career path in the future,” says Charis.

Extracurricular activities help students build social connections, develop new skills, and explore different career paths. Think Together’s high school programs aim to provide academic support, college and career readiness, and leadership skills to unlock their full potential and flourish in college and beyond.

Esther is an example of the power of expanded learning and cultivating a safe space where students know they have the freedom to explore different interests and follow their passions.

At Think Together, we understand that education begins long before a child steps into a classroom and that affordable childcare is essential for working families to thrive.

However, access to affordable childcare and early learning isn’t always feasible. In Orange County alone, the median cost of childcare for kids under 2 years old is a staggering $19,097 while the household income for many families can be as low as $33,150 a year.

Think Together and the PNC Foundation, through PNC Grow Up Great® – the bilingual, $500 million initiative launched in 2004 to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life – are teaming up to support families with early childhood development, literacy and family education. Through a generous grant, they are funding literacy development initiatives with childcare providers and programs throughout Orange County.

One such program is led by Elizabeth Lindsay, who has operated a home-based childcare center in Santa Ana for the past 21 years. Think Together currently supports 33 providers like Elizabeth, ensuring they have the resources to help children and families thrive.

“Think Together has been really good for my program,” Elizabeth said. “They help me a lot with obtaining the materials and funding that I need, obtaining resources for parents and giving support when needed.”

These affordable childcare programs not only provide a supportive space for children to thrive but also offer parents and caregivers resources for their growing families.

Parents participate in engagement workshops, applying a research-based curriculum that equips parents with the tools to develop in their roles as their child’s first teacher and empowering them to strengthen their children’s math, language and literacy skills. Currently, these workshops have served 137 families representing 162 children, and parents have expressed gratitude for these resources.

In addition, PNC’s grant funds up to eight Think Together early learning staff with training that equips them with the strong understanding and ability to identify, apply and coach childcare providers with the Competencies, Foundations, Frameworks and EDI Domains and appropriately implement the 10 components of the Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) model. 

For 20 years, PNC Grow Up Great has helped young children discover their love of learning by collaborating with community-based nonprofit organizations, like Think Together. By supporting and delivering engaging programs, experiences and resources for families, children and educators, PNC Grow Up Great is helping to create a world of opportunities for the next generation and beyond.

“PNC’s support for early childhood education is a strategic investment to help broaden opportunities for social and economic mobility among at-risk children,” said Jarrod Ingle, PNC Bank regional president for Orange County and Inland Empire. “PNC Grow Up Great strives to eliminate barriers so that every child can succeed, and we are proud to work with partners like Think Together who are dedicated to serving our community through educational opportunities for our youngest learners.”

Think Together is proud to team up with PNC to bring exceptional literacy programs to Orange County families. For more stories, follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

Where would you be without Think Together? For Andrea Suarez, she was enrolled in culinary school before finding her passion for education. Now Andrea is an Assistant Site Coordinator for Howard Tanner Elementary in the OC region where she strives for progress over perfection. Learn more about Andrea by reading below.
What are your professional goals for 2025 and how do you continue to stay inspired at Think Together?

As we start off a new year, I want to continue learning about all the great programs and learning opportunities Think Together has to offer students and their families. My professional goals are to grow into a new position where I can continue to share my creativity and passion for student success. 

What has been your favorite place that you have travelled to?

The Grand Canyon was the most amazing place I’ve visited. It was a quick stop my parents made while on a road trip to Chicago and even though we weren’t there for long, it’s been a treasured core memory. The views were unbelievable, and the air was so crisp and fresh. I was standing on land but at the same time walking on clouds. I would love to go back to the Grand Canyon and explore it with my kids so they too can experience the amazing feeling.

What has been your favorite/ most proud project to have been a part of while at Think Together?

It was putting a presentation together and leading a group of students in a LEGO STEM activity.  This project gave K-5 students the opportunity to learn about coding, movement, and engineering as they built a theme park with LEGOs. The students did an amazing job working together and adding their creativity into their theme parks. I felt so proud of everyone, and their projects were so cool I had to leave them up on display!

If you could be the lead singer in any band, past or present, which band would you choose and why?

I would be the lead singer for the band Train because whenever I listen to their music, I can’t help but feel happy. Their music is catchy and easy to sing along with and gives you a sense of hope and goodness. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others? 

Something I’ve been told and started to tell my kids and students I work with is “Progress over perfection.” Those three simple words have been a game changer for me when it comes to reducing stress. I don’t believe perfection exists because it looks different to everyone. Even when you think you have reached perfection, you find that there is still more you can do to make it better. However, progress is something anyone can notice and appreciate.

If you weren’t an Assistant Site Coordinator or in the education field, what career would you be pursuing?

I would be a pastry chef. Fun fact about me is I went to culinary school after high school before pursuing a career working in education.

You are someone who sees both sides of Think Together as an Assistant Site Coordinator and as a parent at Think Together. What can you share about this unique experience? 

Having the opportunity to do both roles is amazing. I not only get a chance to help our children learn and grow but I also get to share those opportunities with my own kids. They enjoy having me around and think it’s cool they get to call me Mrs. Andrea, instead of mom. I enjoy the Assistant Site Coordinator side because I see all the hard work that it takes to provide all the resources offered. As a parent, it just makes me feel extra thankful for the hard work that everyone puts in to bring the programs to the schools.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

 I like to relax at home with a family game night or movie night with my kids.

YouTube player

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.

The team of 10 wears many hats within their roles including acting as a liaison to school support services, advocating for legislation that funds expanded learning and serving as a resource for school site and district partners.

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.

Oftentimes, our Family and Community Engagement team develops close connections to both students and parents. For one Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Sara Orellana, that meant helping a family in dire need of assistance.

While Sara was representing Think Together at a booth at a school event, a mother approached her with a plea for help. The mother confided in Sara that she no longer had a safe place for her and her children to live and were moving from one place to another. Sara took immediate action and enlisted the support of the children’s Think Together school staff, school principal and even the city mayor to ensure the family had what they needed to start a new chapter.

“Having the city involved made me feel very inspired because it made the impossible possible,” shared Sara. “At one point, folks were telling the mother that she was going to have to spend a number of days on the street, but because she found our Think Together table, I was able to use my connections in the community to help her.”

Sara went above and beyond, by putting together a budget to help the family and organized a basket with essentials like clothes and basic household items.

In addition to connecting the family to resources, Sara created a safe space for the mother to share her feelings and emotions as she steered this challenge. To this day, Sara is grateful for the outpour of support she received from our school partners, site staff and the city.

“It meant the world as an educator and as a family and community engagement coordinator for a parent to show up for their kiddos,” added Sara. “She and her kiddos are in a better place. Mom now checks in regularly to see if there’s any volunteering she can do or anything she can donate to the program to support. That really goes to show that if you put your heart into the families, they’ll bring it back to you.”

If you or someone you know is facing any hardship, please explore the resources listed below for support.

It’s a very merry time at Think Together. From volunteering at book doctor events to assembling holiday kits and celebrating literacy wins, our partners’ generous support has made this holiday season one to remember. 

Dodgers Foundation Hits a Home Run for Reading 

To celebrate the love of reading, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation teamed up with Think Together to host two LA Reads events at Morris Elementary Environmental Literacy Academy and Ruth Grimes Elementary School in San Bernardino County.  

Nearly 400 students across the two schools eagerly listened to Dodgers great Dennis Powell read Ann Higginbottom’s book, Bigger Than Me. Each student received Dodgers swag and left home with a copy of the book.  

Ross Stores Patches Up Books at Book Doctor Event 

Ross Stores held a book doctor event where 15 volunteers collected, cleaned, and sorted books to be distributed throughout Think Together program sites for students to enjoy this holiday season.  

Since 2023, Ross Stores Foundation has generously supported Think Together’s STEM programs serving more than 1,000 students at ten elementary and middle schools in Perris and Moreno Valley with a focus on coding, robotics and environmental science.  

Ross Stores is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that help under-resourced youth with academic achievement, financial literacy and career readiness. 

Nossaman LLP Joins in the Holiday Cheer  

Joining in on the holiday fun, a dozen volunteers from Nossaman LLP conducted a book doctor event at their Los Angeles office. Roughly 250 books were collected, sorted, and patched up for distribution at Think Together sites throughout Los Angeles County.

Thanks to long-time Think Together board member Mary Lynn Coffee, an attorney with Nossaman LLP, who helped make this event happen! 

State Farm Spreads the Holiday Cheer  

State Farm is helping spread the holiday spirit early to Think Together students! Volunteers constructed 500 kits, each containing crayons, pencils, erasers, and coloring books inside. The kits will be distributed to elementary schools in San Jose. 

Assistance League of Tustin Builds Kits for The Holidays  

The Assistance League of Tustin chapter felt the holiday spirit and hosted a holiday kit build event at their Tustin headquarters. Volunteers assembled over 600 holiday themed kits that will go to Think Together students throughout Orange County.  

Think Together is proud to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, State Farm, Ross Stores, the Assistance League of Tustin and Nossaman LLP to bring exciting events and spread holiday cheer to the students we serve every day. Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more stories.  

As Think Together prepares to close the chapter on Shalimar at the end of 2024, we celebrate not an ending, but the fulfillment of a mission. We want to thank the generous organizations and partners that have supported our Shalimar community since it opened its doors 30 years ago.

Organizations such as the National Charity League (NCL), You Run This Town OC (YRTTOC), MVE+Partners and AO Architects brought holiday magic one last time this year to our Shalimar families with many events.

Read more about the holiday celebrations hosted for our Shalimar community this year below.

National Charity League Holiday Donation Drive and Thrift Party

For over 10 years, Think Together’s Shalimar Learning Center has partnered with the National Charity League Newport Chapter to host a Thanksgiving donation drive as well as a holiday party at their Ticktocker Thrift Shop.

For the Thanksgiving drive, Shalimar families received Thanksgiving staples, including side dishes, pies, a $40 gift card for a turkey, and a warm blanket for the chilly season!

Students from the teen center also organized a book drive, where families could select and take home books.

“I’m a Shalimar student leader, so I get to help plan and prepare the holiday events, which is very fun because I can see other families in the community participate. Shalimar has been like a second home to me. It has brought me more friends, mentors, and academic guidance,” shared high school student Sayuri.

At the NCL’s annual holiday thrifting party a couple of weeks later, students enjoyed a shopping spree where they picked out an item to gift to a family member or friend. They played games and had some sweet fun decorating their own sugar cookies. The NCL volunteers also gave students other trinkets to take home.

You Run This Town OC Christmas Tree Giveaway and Tamales with Santa

You Run This Town OC (YRTTOC) has once again brought the holiday cheer to the Shalimar community with their Christmas tree donation event.

This year, YRTTOC donated 30 Christmas trees to the families of Shalimar. Throughout the partnership, they have supported Shalimar teens with college and career readiness through life skills workshops on resume building and financial literacy.

Santa Claus was also there to take photos with Shalimar families while Shalimar’s Parent Advisory Committee handed out delicious tamales and hot chocolate for all to enjoy. A week later, YRTTOC also delivered some presents to Shalimar students!

“Every year we have been glad to be a part of this organization that doesn’t only fulfill us, it fulfills the community, and we do what we can to help,” said Founder and Board Chairman of YRTTOC Fred Noya. “The partnership and collaboration between Shalimar and You Run This Town Orange County has been phenomenal.”

Gifts, Games, and Community Spirit with Partners

Shalimar students ended the joyful season and the last day of program with a holiday party where they played games, signed their yearbook and received gifts from MVE+Partners, AO Architects, volunteer Ahmed Parekh, and Friend of Shalimar Committee member Khary Espy.

Think Together Shalimar alumnus Paolo Leon, who is a partner at AO Architects and a Think Together board member has spearheaded a majority of the gift donation drive throughout the years.

“Think Together has had a tremendous impact on me. It’s altered the course of my life for the better and I know my family and my children will be better off because of my involvement with Think Together,” Paolo said. “I am personally invested in making sure that the same opportunities are available to more kids like me.”

Shalimar’s light now shines across California in every school where a child’s dreams are nurtured in every community and is a reminder that big change starts small—with community, collaboration, and a shared vision for a brighter future.

Programs
Get Involved
Donate