Think Together, Author at Think Together

California State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond Tapped as Keynote Speaker at Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit

Think Together, in partnership with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, hosted its fourth annual Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit at the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center on April 24.

The annual summit brought nearly 200 educators, business leaders and elected officials together to discuss key strategies for bridging the gap between education and the workforce, and creating a platform where innovative solutions can be explored to ensure the success of students and the prosperity of the community.

The summit opened with Dr. Alex McDonald from Kaiser Permanente, to share how healthcare intersects with education and workforce development. Kaiser Permanente sponsored the summit and had a strong history of supporting initiatives that work to improve whole health outcomes for the communities it serves.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we understand that the link between health and education is fundamental to achieving positive outcomes for students,” said Dr. Douglas Mack, Chief of Physical Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County. “By addressing health disparities and promoting wellness initiatives, we not only support academic success but also empower students to thrive in all aspects of their lives.”

Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together, then introduced Jusbith Aguayo, a student speaker from Eisenhower High School, who shared her inspiring journey and highlighted the impact of educational support programs on students’ lives.

Jusbith’s story is truly inspiring. Having immigrated to the United States in her early teens, she experienced tremendous academic and personal growth. Having joined Think Together in her middle school years, she found her voice and built invaluable skills for the future through participation in the Work Force Readiness Program and other various clubs.

“As we continue to face the complexities posed by the pandemic, it’s important to recognize the transformational power education and community have in shaping the future of our students,” said Barth. “Jusbith’s story is a testament to the profound impact these initiatives can have on individuals and communities alike when overcoming barriers to success.”

Following her testimonial, Barth led an expert panel of education, workforce, and healthcare leaders to discuss how education can support and prepare students for success in the workforce while continuing to face challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as academic performance, social emotional learning and mental health issues. Participants included:

Dr. Angelo Farooq, Chairman at California Workforce Development Board
Dr. Carol Tsushima, Administrator of Workforce SBCSS at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Scott Price, Chief Business Official at Riverside County Office of Education
Dr. Douglas Mack, Chief of Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Specialist at Kaiser Permanente
Connie Leyva, Executive Director of KVCR & FNX

To round out the summit, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond gave this year’s keynote address, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to quality education and the need for continued collaboration between educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders.

“Afterschool programs that expose students to career-ready learning experiences create a critical bridge between school-day learning and future success, said State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. “That’s why I have championed investments in apprenticeship programs, paid internships, and workforce readiness programs. When our afterschool programs directly link to the real world, we connect our students to real success.”

The California state budget allocated more than $4 billion to support the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), allowing schools to offer no-cost afterschool, before-school and school-break programs to traditionally under-resourced students. ELO-P programs have been embraced by public schools throughout the state to give students and families added out-of-school time support.

After the devastating effects of the pandemic on children and families, the state championed ELO-P grants to help support students most impacted by the pandemic. However, these grants support expanded learning programs for K-8 students. High Schools utilize 21st Century Community Learning Center grants to provide expanded learning opportunities, such as Think Together’s Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), Driver’s Education and STEM clubs for high school students.

Private and community-based programs play a vital role in supplementing these efforts, offering a diverse range of enrichment activities, mentorship opportunities, and academic support tailored to the unique needs of high school students.

In lieu of hosting an annual fundraiser gala, Think Together gave donors the hands-on opportunity to engage with Think Together’s mission to change the odds for kids. Over a two-day event, volunteers assembled kits that will directly support Think Summer curriculum, which will allow students to design, engineer solutions, learn from one another and bring their ideas to life.

On April 19 and April 20, 100 volunteers from organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, State Farm, Cox, Deloitte, Pacific Life, Poppy Bank, Soroptomists of Orange, West Coast Dental, Farmers Merchant Bank, University Synagogue, and Marsh & McLennan Insurance assembled summer learning enrichment kits with supplies for activities in STEAM, English language arts, physical education and visual arts.

One lesson students will learn over the summer is “For Your Amusement.” In this lesson, students will create a prototype for an innovative carnival ride or game as part of a larger themed amusement park collaboratively designed by their program group.

“This event format was exciting to see come to life. Through this event, our donors and volunteers get to assemble supplies that will be directly used in classrooms across the state to engage student minds over the summer break,” shared Dianne Chaves, Think Together’s Senior Director of Programs & Innovations.

During the summer, research suggests that students in underserved communities can lose up to 3 months of progress from the previous academic year compared to their wealthier peers. But summer can also be a time to help level the playing field through high-quality, summer learning programs that produce measurable benefits in math, reading and social and emotional learning.

“We see time and time again the significant benefits of summer learning programs for students,” says Randy Barth, Think Together’s Founder and CEO. “Too often, breaks are filled with kids spending extended time in front of screens and pulled out of routine which is not beneficial in the long-term for student success.”

Starting as early as mid-May, Think Together will partner with school districts to run 4-6 week summer learning programs filled with enriching lessons, field trips and opportunities to keep connected to friends. Think Together’s approach combines fun with learning, giving students opportunities to learn new skills and stay sharp on others before school starts again in the fall.

Did you know that April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month? This month-long celebration was officially proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 to promote leaders in the STEM fields who use complex math to solve some of the world’s greatest mathematical problems. To commemorate this month, Think Together is celebrating two new STEM curriculum partnerships who work with our organization to provide students with enriching learning experiences.

One of those partners is STEM to the Future, which is a nonprofit organization with the mission to “inspire, motivate and support Black and brown elementary and middle school youth as they create the futures they want and deserve.” Think Together students are being introduced to STEM concepts while also thinking about real-world problems and opportunities that affect their local communities. Our third through fifth grade students have worked in small groups to build model communities where they assess environmental stability and social harmony.

“Research has shown that STEM Careers are at the forefront of innovation and offer substantially higher financial benefits and job security,” shared Think Together Director of Enrichment Programs Molly Stoeckel. “Programs like STEM to the Future are working with Think Together to revolutionize the landscape in education through curricular offerings that create spaces of dialogue and engagement with the sciences and technological realms.”

The other new STEM partnership Think Together welcomes, is Science Action Club (SAC) designed by the California Academy of Sciences. They create various science kits for students to learn about topics that range from weather, insects and bird species. Think Together’s fifth grade students are going to be working on SAC’s Cloud Quest kits, which focuses on the impact clouds have on weather and climate. Students will get the chance to design their own satellite in small groups and research the effect of different types of clouds and report their findings to NASA.

“Think Together is changing the odds for students in the extended learning space by partnering with thoughtful organizations who write well rounded curriculum and train our own curriculum team on how students learn best,” said Stoeckel. “It’s really about putting the needs of our students as learners and as curious members of our communities first.”

Think Together strives to provide California youth with expanded learning opportunities through these diverse partnerships. Together, we’re able to create bright futures and continue to change the odds for kids.

Joshua Felix Named Among Top Human Resources Distinguished Leaders by Orange County Business Journal

This month, I am proud to acknowledge Think Together’s Chief People Officer Joshua Felix, who has been recognized by the Orange County Business Journal as a Human Resources Distinguished Leader.

Since 2006, Josh has elevated Think Together’s human resources functions. He has crafted and executed initiatives that align with both business objectives and Think Together’s mission of providing all children with top-tier, accessible education.

Congratulations, Josh!

Rachel Minecki Named Shalimar Learning Center’s New Community Program Center Manager

Think Together is happy to welcome Rachel Minecki, as our new Community Program Center Manager for the Shalimar Learning Center.

Rachel has spent over 10 years working in the nonprofit sector dedicated to supporting her community and making a change. With that same mindset, Rachel will now be using her knowledge to support our Shalimar Learning Center in developing, engaging and enriching programming for students. In her new roles, she will also coach program staff and foster new partnerships.

Thank you for joining us in our mission to change the odds, Rachel!

Seventeen years at Think Together has helped Humberto Quintana fulfill his passion for education while giving him the tools to help lead students on their journeys. His dedication is always on display at every field position and region where he has worked, and he is known for going the extra mile. Join us as we learn more about Humberto.

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

Growing up, I never had the opportunity to participate in afterschool programs. My Think Together why is that now, as an adult, I really enjoy being able to provide a place for kids to safely participate in various learning activities. I started my career with Think Together as a Program Leader and was new to working with students, but I soon realized that they were the reason my job didn’t feel like work. I really enjoy participating in afterschool programs, delivering lessons, playing different sports and being able to connect with kids. I am blessed and grateful that my passion for helping students and my dedication for what Think Together stands for is still strong after 17 years.

If you could go back 17 years ago on your first day, what advice would you give yourself? Why?

I would advise myself to stay a Program Leader a little longer. I truly enjoyed being in the classroom and making strong connections. I always looked forward to showing students science experiments, learning math games and exploring different club activities.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

During my time as a Site Coordinator (now Site Program Manager) at Franklin Elementary in Redlands, I enrolled a student that had just moved from Mexico two weeks prior and faced many challenges with language barriers, communicating with others and making friends. I can relate to what this student was experiencing so I selected a group of students to create a “Welcome Committee” to support new student orientation and provide a warm environment for all students and visitors. From this experience I learned more about social emotional learning and how to better support student needs.

You have held many different positions at Think Together over the years. Which one was your favorite and why?

I learned to love the Site Coordinator position the most. As a Program Leader, I really enjoyed being in the classroom with the students. But as a Site Coordinator, it was rewarding to be able to plan a program and work with other leaders on the best way to provide safe and quality programs to our students. I feel that as a Site Coordinator I could share my knowledge and have a direct impact on what program we deliver to students.

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

“The only victory that counts is the one over yourself.” – Lionel Messi

I strive to be better than my previous self every day. Conquering my own imperfections can bring more success to my personal life, so I try to be better than myself for others. I continue to work on loving myself to love others better.

What do you wish more people knew about working with students in the education field?

I wish they knew that working with students can be challenging at times and that the reward is greater than the struggle. I believe that you must enjoy what you do so it won’t feel like work and helping students with their struggles, to see them succeed, is the highest reward.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun? 

Outside of work I enjoy coaching a boys youth soccer academy and traveling with the team to competitions. I also play soccer in a league and with my family. I have fun being outdoors, going to sporting events, camping, snowboarding and the beach. I also like to watch comedy movies and shows.

Julie Miller-Phipps is stepping into a new venture as Think Together board member after an impressive 40-year career at Kaiser Permanente, most recently as President of Southern California and Hawaii.

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 11, 2024) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of school improvement, expanded learning and afterschool programs, announced the appointment of Julie Miller-Phipps to its Board of Directors. Julie, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience at Kaiser Permanente, brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for mission-driven work to the organization during a period of rapid growth.

Julie most recently served as President of Southern California and Hawaii. In this role, she oversaw 16 hospitals and 80,000 employees responsible for the care of five million Kaiser Permanente members.

Since leaving her post, Julie has started her own strategic advising company, viewing it as her encore career. Now, she is eager to lend her skills and experience to organizations like Think Together.

“When I met Randy Barth, he shared with me his personal story about how he started Think Together, why it was started, what’s been accomplished so far, and what he and the board dream of accomplishing, and I was hooked,” said Julie. “I thought this was exactly where I wanted to spend my time and energy. And, luckily, Randy felt like I could add value too. And, and here I am.”

Think Together is in the midst of a multi-year growth cycle. In fiscal year 2023, the nonprofit grew by more than 70%. Since fiscal year 2021, the organization has tripled in size. With this sustained growth, Think Together continues to recruit purpose-driven talent and has since scaled its workforce to more than 6,000 full- and part-time staff members serving in school site and administrative roles. What began as a single neighborhood center has grown into programs in over 675 California schools – from San Diego to San Francisco – serving over 200,000 students.

Julie plans to leverage her experience from Kaiser Permanente’s dynamic and large organizational structure to support Think Together’s continued expansion and impact to serve more students. She plans to use her experience to consult in four primary areas: rapid growth, redesigning infrastructure, maintaining culture and strengthening leadership.

“When I was introduced to Julie, I knew that she would be a tremendous asset to Think Together,” stated Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “I’m confident her remarkable career, wealth of knowledge, and mission-aligned spirit will benefit our organization and the students we serve.”

Coming out of the pandemic, the students Think Together serves face more obstacles than ever before. Educators are seeing more behavioral problems due to mental health challenges and the lack of social development during the pandemic. Academic performance across the country has dropped to levels not seen in 30 years. Students need programs like Think Together now more than ever.

“Julie is passionate about Think Together’s mission to change the odds for kids and believes in the importance of forming public-private partnerships to achieve community goals,” added Barth. “Julie’s appointment to the Think Together Board of Directors marks an exciting chapter for the organization as it continues its mission to empower underserved youth and build brighter futures for communities across Southern California.”

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About Think Together 

For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools to change the odds for kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements and scales academic solutions to take today’s education leaders to the next level and contribute to a future where every student graduates with all life options available to them. What started as a single neighborhood afterschool site, now serves more than 200,000 students in over 675 schools, from San Jose to Palm Springs. Through multi-pronged approach, Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.  

Tia Dwyer Named OC Women in Leadership Finalist

Think Together is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Tia Dwyer has been named top Nonprofit Executive in the Social Advocacy category at the LA Times OC Women in Leadership Forum in a ceremony at the Irvine Marriot.

The news comes as Tia was recently appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the Advisory Committee on Before and After School Programs. In her role, she will provide information and advice to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Secretary for Education, and the State Board of Education regarding state and federal policy and funding issues affecting before and after school programs Tia’s recent recognition and appointment are a true testament to her hard work and dedication to changing to odds for kids.

Kecia Bailey Alexander Represents Think Together at the 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Symposium & Awards

Think Together Deputy Chief of Human Capital, Kecia Baily Alexander, represented the organization at the 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Symposium & Awards last week. Kecia shared her insight on how to promote workplace diversity and inclusion while fostering an environment for diversity and equity in business leadership.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Kecia has brought positive changes and growth to Think Together. As our Deputy of Human Capital, Kecia has been able to develop and execute the human resources strategy for Think Together, which has been instrumental in establishing a top-tier human resources function tailored to accommodate Think Together’s expansion objectives.

Julie Miller Phipps Named to Think Together’s Board of Directors

Think Together is honored to welcome Julie Miller-Phipps, to its Board of Directors!

Julie was an exceptional leader at Kaiser Permanente for over 40 years, where she took on the role as President of Southern California and Hawaii. Now recently retired, Julie hopes to bring her abundance of knowledge and expertise to Think Together to consult in four primary areas: rapid growth, redesigning infrastructure, maintaining culture, and strengthening leadership.

Think Together is proud to serve alongside Julie, as we continue to take on the mission of changing the odds for kids.

Think Together and AT&T have officially launched The Achievery into 175 Think Together program sites starting with Compton High School and its Think Together older youth program.

Joined by leaders from Compton Unified, AT&T and Think Together, students and educators alike celebrated the expansion of digital learning opportunities in their community.

Thanks to a $525,000 contribution from AT&T, Think Together staff will be able to train and purchase the technology needed to implement lesson plans from The Achievery. In addition to staff training, $267,500 of the budget will be allocated for technology and IT support. The Achievery, powered by AT&T, is a digital education platform designed to support K-12 learning during out-of-school (OST) programs. This new learning platform offers educational lessons in STEM, Digital Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning, College and Career Readiness and more.

The Achievery will benefit students and communities by expanding access to educational opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond. By investing in digital leaning initiatives like The Achievery, we contribute to closing the opportunity gap and promoting equitable access to education for all.

“Think Together saw it as a natural choice to launch The Achievery program, aiming to leverage the students’ ownership of the program and aligning with Think Together’s culture of student agency and engagement,” mentioned General Manager of the Southeast Los Angeles region, Lesley Martin.

Think Together and AT&T are excited to help spread digital learning to Think Together students and look forward to the impact that is still to come.

Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to keep up with the latest news!

Through a $525,000 contribution, AT&T’s digital learning platform, The Achievery, will be offered to Think Together students enrolled in 175 schools throughout California, starting at Compton High School.

COMPTON, CALIF. (Mar. 26, 2024) – Think Together, in collaboration with AT&T, today announced the official launch of The Achievery, a groundbreaking digital education platform designed to empower K-12 learning during out-of-school (OST) programs.

Held at Compton High School, students enrolled in the school’s Think Together afterschool program shared first-hand their experiences with The Achievery platform, highlighting its impact on their academic engagement and personal growth.

“Igniting an unquenchable curiosity and fostering a passion to learn are cardinal elements in the journey of growth and achievement. This principle has been the driving force behind our development of The Achievery. Our vision is to extend the horizons of knowledge beyond the traditional classroom, nurturing a generation of enthusiastic, life-long learners,” said Marc Blakeman, President, AT&T California and Pacific States. “We are thrilled to announce our new collaboration with Think Together across California, as it is an exhilarating opportunity to collectively touch the lives of thousands of students and serve as a gateway to higher achievement.”

The launch marks a significant milestone in enhancing educational opportunities for students across California, starting with 175 Think Together program sites, including Compton High School and its Think Together older youth program.

The Achievery, powered by AT&T, introduces a comprehensive curriculum spanning STEM, Digital Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning, College and Career Readiness, and more. With each site poised to serve up to 120 students, The Achievery promises to revolutionize digital learning experiences, providing students with the tools and resources they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The launch of The Achievery represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to empowering students through digital education. By expanding access to innovative learning resources, we are equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today’s world.”

The launch of The Achievery underscores the collective efforts of Think Together, Compton Unified, and AT&T to promote equitable access to education and foster a culture of lifelong learning. With a shared vision of closing the opportunity gap, the partners remain committed to empowering students and communities through transformative digital learning initiatives.

Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent of Compton Unified School District (CUSD), commended the initiative, affirming, “We are proud to partner with Think Together and AT&T to bring The Achievery to Compton High School and all the Compton Unified schools. This digital learning platform aligns with our mission to foster a culture of continuous learning and provide equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.”

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T 

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

About Think Together

Think Together partners with schools and communities to pursue educational equity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.

Working with students wasn’t Jose Candelas’ first career step. In fact, before Jose began working at Think Together 25 years ago, he enjoyed math and thought he might study to become an accountant. As soon as he went to his first accounting class, he quickly realized that it was not the career path for him.

Soon after, a friend offered him a job to work in the parks and recreation department of a church in Downtown Santa Ana. Jose started working with students at the Noah Teen Center in the church, which happened to be one of Think Together’s first community student programs. This is where his passion for helping students achieve their goals and reach for college and career aspirations flourished.

Jose then started working towards acquiring his teaching credentials and was an assistant teacher in the Santa Ana Unified School District. His drive to academically support students was noticed by one of Think Together’s first executive directors, and so his journey to change the odds for kids began with Think Together.

Officially, Jose joined Think Together in 1999, only two years after the organization became a nonprofit. His first position was as the site program manager for Think Together’s first school site, Davis Elementary School in Santa Ana.

Since then, Jose has worn many hats within the organization. He’s served as a site program manager, quality assurance coach, director of community sites, learning and development facilitator, and many more. Jose has worked with Think Together students of all ages, from younger than one year of age to high school seniors.

“I saw myself helping kids because I knew how much I struggled with school and I told myself, ‘I’m going to help these kids so that they don’t struggle the way I struggled.’ I had immigrant parents and a lot of the kids that I was working with also had immigrant parents that couldn’t get the help that they needed,” Jose said.

Having so much experience within the organization, Jose has been a witness to all the impactful accomplishments Think Together has made in the past two decades. He was there supporting Think Together when we expanded in 2007 from 25 to 180 schools due to the passing of California Prop 49, enabling more funding through the Afterschool Education and Safety Program.

When we partnered with schools in the LA Metro region, Jose was alongside the organization helping train staff and continue the Think Together mission and culture. Today, we serve over 39,701 students in Los Angeles County.

In addition to its triumphs, Jose has also experienced growing pains through Think Together’s several iterations of expansion.

“It wasn’t always a beautiful picture. Just like any relationship, there’s ups and there’s downs, but in the end, I always knew that Think Together had my best interest at heart and the kids’ best interest at heart. If it’s not about the kids and the companies that we’re serving, then then we’re not doing what we set out to do,” Jose said.

Think Together Risk Management Associate Erica Cardoso, who’s been with the organization for 17 years, has been witness to Jose’s driving work ethic.

“Jose’s main focus has always been on our families and students. Employees who have been here at Think Together for such a dedicated timeframe and who have worked and collaborated with Jose, understand the importance that impact makes to our mission statement,” Erica said. “Long standing employees bring a historical richness to new and improved areas of Think Together as we look to the future in continuing to change the odds for kids.”

Think Together is honored to celebrate over two decades of Jose impacting students and being the organization’s longest staff member. Technically, Jose’s tenure is longer than that of our founder and CEO, Randy Barth, who started with the organization as a volunteer board chair in 1994.

“I’m extremely proud to have an employee like Jose be part of Think Together, who continuously shows a commitment to guide students towards a brighter future,” Randy said. “It’s been extraordinary to see Jose grow with us, and we hope to celebrate 25 more years with him.”

Jose is grateful to be part of an organization like Think Together, that continues to change the odds for kids and is always looking for ways to further enrich students learning experience.

“My place is here at Think Together. As long as we keep growing and helping people, it’ll be really hard to get rid of me,” Jose said. “I’ve put some deep roots here and I’m just happy to see people that are still growing and the students that we’re serving. Think Together to me is my second family, I’ve really come to love everybody here.”

Nearly 200 Leaders Gather For Fourth Annual Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit