The Orange County Register: Two Shalimar teens among four receiving scholarships

The Orange County Register: Two Shalimar teens among four receiving scholarships

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School District Partner Q&A: Colton Joint Unified Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

School District Partner Q&A: Colton Joint Unified Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

Colton Joint USD Expands Partnership with THINK Together At the beginning of the 2010/11 school year, the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) received funding from the California Department of Education to establish After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs at eleven schools within the district. CJUSD selected THINK Together

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Adriana Kington is honored by the Association of California School Administrators

Adriana Kington is honored by the Association of California School Administrators

THINK Together’s Riverside Region General Manager Adriana Kingston has been named Administrator of the Year by Region XIX of the Association of California School Administrators. Kingston oversees nearly 60 THINK Together sites in Riverside and northeast San Diego counties. Those sites serve about 12,000 students per day. She was nominated

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Colton teen just can’t stop volunteering

Colton teen just can’t stop volunteering

Diana Paniagua has volunteered at Birney Elementary in Colton for a year.  Diana helps students with homework and different enrichment activities. She has contributed over 200 hours even though she originally was only supposed to volunteer for 30 hours.  Diana has received the silver Presidential Service Award.  And she was recently recognized at Arrowhead

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THINK Together End of Year Celebrations

THINK Together End of Year Celebrations

With generous support from Ralphs Food4Less, Eric and Connie Boden and several other sponsors, THINK Together is hosting three end of year celebrations for students, teachers, administrators, partners, and THINK Together staff to join in the celebration of student success. Student success depends on more than just one individual. Each

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Tustin principal says THINK Together an invaluable partner

Tustin principal says THINK Together an invaluable partner

Christine Matos, Principal for A.G. Currie Middle School in the Tustin Unified School District, recently shared her appreciation for THINK Together, especially site coordinator Diane Sanchez. “The positive impact Diane and her team make at Currie Middle School is significant on a daily basis” Matos said. With Currie’s recent academic achievements and

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From THINK Together student to program leader

From THINK Together student to program leader

Emmanuel Rodriguez is currently attending Santa Ana College. Emmanuel’s major is Human Services and his goal is to earn an associate in arts degree in human development and then transfer to a Cal State University. At Santa Ana College, he’s taken American Sign Language Courses, which have been very helpful because he

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Nurturing our future

Nurturing our future

THINK Together‘s “Nurturing Our Future: An Elegant Farm-to-table Event,” featured several local artisans and was held at the historic Burrage Mansion inRedlands. The Farm-to-Table event was sponsored by Ralph’s/Food4Less. “Thank you to all who made this event so successful,” said Erin Brinker, THINK Together’s Executive Director for the Inland Empire.

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THINK Together joins Annual Latino Education and Advocacy Days Summit

THINK Together joins Annual Latino Education and Advocacy Days Summit

THINK Together’s Executive Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships, Alicia Maciel, was a panelist at the 2013 LEAD Summit. The panelists spoke about the educational challenges facing Latino youth Maciel was one of several panelists for the forum series titled, “Sustaining, Replicating, and Bringing to Up-to-Scale those Programs that Work for Latino

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Volunteer profile: ‘An opportunity to give back while pursuing education’

Volunteer profile: ‘An opportunity to give back while pursuing education’

Jacqueline Sedano Hobbies:  Folklórico dancer, enjoys volleyball, basketball, hiking and dancing in general. She also enjoys drawing and painting. Jacqueline is Cal State Fullerton’s Folklórico Artistic Director. Currently reading: Exploring Leadership, College textbooks, and Tuesdays with Morrie.  How did you get involved with interning at THINK Together? I’m doing my internship

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Gilbert Ivey joins THINK Together’s Board of Directors

Gilbert Ivey joins THINK Together’s Board of Directors

THINK Together moved to strengthen its Board of Directors with the appointment of Gilbert F. Ivey, Chief Administrative Officer of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “Gilbert will be a great asset to our board of directors,” said Randy Barth, the Founder and CEO of THINK Together, the state’s

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Supporting the next generation of innovators

Supporting the next generation of innovators

Science is a subject that opens many doors of discovery. It encourages students to use their imagination and more importantly to ask questions. Today local educators are collaborating across communities and regions to expand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning opportunities for students. This mobilization of collected efforts is

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5 Questions for LA84 Foundation’s Patrick Escobar

5 Questions for LA84 Foundation’s Patrick Escobar

Patrick Escobar is the Vice President of Grants & Programs at the LA84 Foundation.  He has worked at the Foundation for 25 years.  Between 1982 and 1984, he worked for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee that organized the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games of which the Foundation is the

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Employee Spotlight: THINK Together mission inspired her to join the team

Employee Spotlight: THINK Together mission inspired her to join the team

Southern California transplant Adreana Rubio quickly found herself involved with local after school programs when she moved to the Sacramento area to attend the University of Davis. While she enjoyed the work, she found the programs lacked a certain cohesiveness that she believed could greatly enrich it. She later found

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Share the love of literacy with local youth

Share the love of literacy with local youth

As you begin your spring cleaning and reminiscing on those treasured items you have stored, donate your gently used children’s books that are collecting dust or those books your children have recently outgrown. Help THINK Together share the love of literacy with children in the community during the month of

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THINK Together Monthly Social Digest April 2013

THINK Together Monthly Social Digest April 2013

Teaching, Helping, Inspiring, and Nurturing Kids Together. *Twitter – @THINK_Together #THINKtogether *Instagram – @thinktogether #THINKtogether *Facebook – THINKtogether

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Harkness Principal says THINK Together has been a great fit

Harkness Principal says THINK Together has been a great fit

H. W. Harkness Elementary School in the Sacramento City Unified School District has experienced remarkable academic growth over the last few years. In 2008, the school was foundering and posted an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 640, putting it in the lowest statewide ranking when compared to schools with

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Nurturing Our Future: An Elegant Farm-to-Table Event

Nurturing Our Future: An Elegant Farm-to-Table Event

THINK Together invites you to attend an elegant farm-to-table, sustainable living event on April 11 from 6-9 p.m., featuring local chefs, bakeries, creameries, wineries, breweries and growers. This event is being held at the beautiful and historic Burrage Mansion in Redlands. Confirmed participants: Chefs Lee Burton and John Shrader from the Cooking Block

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Ralph Lauren Co. Volunteers visit THINK Together

Ralph Lauren Co. Volunteers visit THINK Together

THINK Together at Victoria Elementary in the Redlands Unified School District had a total of 40 Ralph Lauren Co. Volunteer’s participate in reading Dr. Seuss books after school with students in honor of National Read Across America Day. The volunteers also helped students create their very own “The Cat in

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5 Questions for ORION Property Partners Founder Jay Carnahan

5 Questions for ORION Property Partners Founder Jay Carnahan

  ORION Property Partners Founder and Managing Partner Jay Carnahan is a longtime THINK Together contributor and supporter both individually and through his company. Jay grew up in Fullerton and graduated from UC Santa Barbara, getting into commercial real estate in 1980. In 2000, he founded ORION. Jay and his

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THINK Staff at Galileo is thriving to stay healthy together

THINK Staff at Galileo is thriving to stay healthy together

THINK Together staff is encouraged to practice wellness in several ways. Recently, the Human Resources and Benefits team launched a Thrive Across America Challenge for THINK Together staff. Galileo Elementary in the Victor Elementary School District has stayed within the top five for a good amount of time and they have been in

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Support your local business, Biz Kids Club at Noah Teen Center

Support your local business, Biz Kids Club at Noah Teen Center

THINK Together’s Noah Teen Center located at the Church of the Episcopal Messiah in Santa Ana has been running a beneficial club for teens called, Biz Kids Club. The teens who join this club receive $50 loan to start their own business. Ten percent of what they make goes back

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THINK Together Monthly Social Digest March 2013

THINK Together Monthly Social Digest March 2013

Teaching, Helping, Inspiring, and Nurturing Kids Together.

*Twitter – @THINK_Together #THINKtogether
*Instagram – @thinktogether #THINKtogether
*Facebook – THINKtogether

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Volunteer Profile: ‘What matters most is that I am there for them’

Volunteer Profile: ‘What matters most is that I am there for them’

LuzAnna Figueroa is a dedicated and highly involved volunteer at the Noah Teen Center, a THINK Together Community Site hosted by the Episcopal Church of the Messiah. After reading LuzAnna’s profile be sure to also check out a blog on the Biz Kids Club, here. Hobbies: I enjoy watching good cinema.

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Tim Shaw joins THINK Together’s ranks as the new Chief Development Officer

Tim Shaw joins THINK Together’s ranks  as the new Chief Development Officer

Veteran nonprofit leader Tim Shaw has been named the Chief Development Officer of THINK Together, one of California’s largest nonprofit education organizations. “Tim comes to THINK Together with a wealth of nonprofit and fund development experience,” said THINK Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “I look forward to working with

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Longtime Business Executive Eric Boden named Chairman of the Board of THINK Together

Longtime Business Executive Eric Boden named  Chairman of the Board of THINK Together

Longtime business leader and executive Eric Boden will lead  THINK Together as its new Chairman of the Board. Boden replaces Fran Inman, senior vice president of Majestic Realty, who has been the board chair for the past two years. “THINK Together deeply engages my passion around helping children reach their full

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Aligning the Learning Day Webinar

Aligning the Learning Day Webinar

Tracy Bennett, THINK Together’s Manager of Evaluation will be one of three presenters for the Northeast Statewide Afterschool Networks Webinar Series, Aligning the Learning Day. The speakers will present leading research on the positive results of aligning the learning day through partnerships, communication, and resource sharing. The webinar will take place on Feb. 21 from 12:00 p.m.

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Celebrate International Book Giving Day

Celebrate International Book Giving Day

Donate a gently used book or two to THINK Together in celebration of International Book Giving Day! Maybe you or your kids have outgrown some books, why not get them in the hands of children who could really use a book or two. Donated books will go back into the

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THINK Together volunteers support City of Industry Homeless Count

THINK Together volunteers support City of Industry Homeless Count

Every other year, volunteers perform a national count of the homeless population to give community members, organizations, and business owners a clear perspective on homelessness within their local areas. It also serves as good tool to measure the success of various programs. THINK Together volunteers supported the national count of

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Rising above and giving the ultimate service, time

Rising above and giving the ultimate service, time

Janetta Arellano has more than one role in THINK Together’s home office. She supports administration as well as the fund development department. Janetta first started with THINK Together as a volunteer in 2011. She then heard about the substitute program leader position and applied. In August 2012, Janetta heard about

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Volunteer Profile: ‘Inspiring young minds to speak through poetry’

Volunteer Profile: ‘Inspiring young minds to speak through poetry’

Lance Langdon volunteers at THINK Together’s Highland Teen Center  in Orange. He’s been volunteering for a year and a half now. During his time there he has implemented a poetry and writing club.     Lance Langdon Hobbies:  Poetry writer, enjoys backpacking in the Sierras during summertime, and plays soccer

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Inspiring students and staff create video to highlight how to be responsible contributing community members

Inspiring students and staff create video to highlight how to be responsible contributing community members

Character education is a key component in THINK Together extended learning time programs. Sometimes it takes a little more than just teaching students that character matters, sometimes it takes some inspiration. Northview Intermediate in Duarte held a weeklong event to promote anti-bullying and awareness. Site Coordinator Unique Landrum partnered up with

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5 Questions for JPMorgan Chase Vice President Tim Sorenson

5 Questions for JPMorgan Chase Vice President Tim Sorenson

Tim Sorenson spent more than 13 years in banking and now proudly work for JPMorgan Chase. He runs the Chase At Work organization in California and a National Sales Team. His organization provides a broad range of products and services to employees of companies within the branch footprint. He also

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THINK Together honors outgoing board chair, Fran Inman

THINK Together honors outgoing board chair, Fran Inman

THINK Together board members and the senior leadership team gathered together to honor Fran Inman’s dedication and service to THINK Together as board chair. Board member Darrel Anderson and wife Marsha Anderson hosted the gathering at their Newport Beach home. Fran has been on THINK Together’s board since 2008 and for the

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THINK CFO honored by the Orange County Business Journal for building a financial foundation to better serve local youth

THINK CFO honored by the Orange County Business Journal for building a financial foundation to better serve local youth

THINK Together’s Chief Financial Officer, Mike Frobenius, has been named Orange County Business Journal’s CFO of the Year in its nonprofit category. “The real story here is the amazing work being done at THINK Together, the tens of thousands of students from low-income families whose lives are being touched every

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Serving together to advance Dr. King’s dream

Serving together to advance Dr. King’s dream

Volunteers in Orange County had several projects this year to choose from to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day “A Day On, Not A Day Off.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ”Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘what are you doing for others?’” On Monday, Jan. 21, THINK

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San Bernardino County settles into a new office space

San Bernardino County settles into a new office space

THINK Together San Bernardino County just moved into a new office space that is centrally located in the region to better serve its districts. Before moving, the county staff was working out of several locations. San Bernardino County is the largest in the United States; the office serves Ontario-Montclair, Victor

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JPMorgan Chase provides THINK Together students with $55,000

JPMorgan Chase provides THINK Together students with $55,000

Tim Sorenson of JPMorgan Chase, presented THINK Together with a $55,000 check last Friday Jan. 11 at Frisbie Middle School in Rialto to assist with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs. JPMorgan Chase issued the funds to enhance THINK Together’s science and robotics programs at middle schools in San

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Sysco L.A. supports local youth video

Sysco L.A. supports local youth video

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Maciel and Reichel promoted to new positions within THINK Together

Maciel and Reichel promoted to new positions within THINK Together

Alicia Maciel and Maria Reichel have been promoted to two key roles within the organization, announced THINK Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. After two years as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, Alicia is moving to the Fund Development Department into the newly created role of Executive Director of Strategic

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Volunteer Profile: ‘The power of a conversation’

Volunteer Profile: ‘The power of a conversation’

Hector Garnica volunteers in the THINK Together North Los Angeles county office within the staffing department and also tutors at Tried and True Tutoring. He is currently furthering his education at Mount San Antonio College where he is majoring in Business Economics and Education. Hector Garnica Hobbies: Mixed martial arts fan.

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Celebrating early learners

Celebrating early learners

The Children and Families Commission of Orange County‘s Early Learning Program managed by THINK Together hosted graduations for their early learners before leaving for winter break and starting a new year. Parents and staff filled the room in anticipation to watch the students receive an early learning completion certificate after participating in the 12-week program. The sense of community

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THINK Together staff’s new year resolutions

THINK Together staff’s new year resolutions

My new year’s resolution is…to eat healthy and be active. - Jonathan Hillyard, Manager of Volunteers South L.A.   My new year’s resolution is to “Sharpen the Saw.” This is the 7th Habit of Highly Effective People and the one that I am least likely to practice. That ‘s not really

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5 Questions with Kevin and Jenny Hayes

5 Questions with Kevin and Jenny Hayes

Kevin Hayes is a member of the THINK Together Board of Directors and Senior Vice President of Lincoln Property Co. It was Kevin’s Lincoln Property firm that offered pro-bono assistance to THINK Together to help secure the recent $5 million purchase of its future headquarters on Fourth Street in Santa

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In the spirit of the season, THINK Together students in La Puente received holiday gifts from the food distribution giant Sysco Los Angeles

In the spirit of the season, THINK Together students in La Puente received holiday gifts from the food distribution giant Sysco Los Angeles

THINK Together students in the Bassett Unified School District received visits from Sysco Los Angeles corporate volunteers during their last week of program before Winter break. Sysco Los Angeles corporate volunteers held holiday gift giving events for all THINK Together students in the Bassett Unified School District. The events were

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THINK Together recognized for community efforts in Santa Ana

THINK Together recognized for community efforts in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez recognized THINK Together along with other individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the community on Dec. 3. Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez recognized these organizations and individuals because in the last 12 years they have made the largest effect within the Santa

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THINK Together’s Alicia Maciel named a Trustee on the Brea Olinda Unified Board of Education

THINK Together’s Alicia Maciel named a Trustee on the Brea Olinda Unified Board of Education

Alicia Maciel, THINK Together’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, has been appointed as a trustee to the Brea Olinda Unified School District’s Board of Education, filling a two-year seat vacated by former board member Mike Condiff. Maciel was one of nine candidates who applied to the board to fill the empty

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THINK Together kicks off new Young Professionals Group

THINK Together kicks off new Young Professionals Group

100 up-and-coming business leaders and executives took part in holiday-themed event that marked the kickoff meeting of the THINK Together Young Professionals Group at Big Canyon Country Club on Wednesday Dec. 5. The Generation X and Millennial young professionals – lawyers, nurses, doctors, business owners and executives between the ages

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Employee Spotlight: ‘It’s different every day’

Employee Spotlight: ‘It’s different every day’

Roxana Castro Manager of Volunteers As Manager of Volunteers for the San Bernardino County Region, Roxana Castro said recruiting and managing volunteers for THINK Together’s academic support programs can be fun but challenging. “It’s different every day,” she said. “A large portion of our day is trying to engage the

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Five Questions with Sysco LA CEO Joe Barton

Five Questions with Sysco LA CEO Joe Barton

Early this year, Sysco Los Angeles began a partnership with THINK Together that has resulted in much appreciated support for our program and the children we serve. We recently asked Sysco CEO Joe Barton about the company’s involvement in THINK Together. He talked about how investing in education is a

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Volunteer Profile: ‘A smile that spreads across campus’

Volunteer Profile: ‘A smile that spreads across campus’

Fernanda Tirado is a local high school freshman student who volunteers at Corona Elementary in Ontario. Fernanda’s smile spreads across the afterschool campus because she really enjoys her volunteer service and knows how to make it fun and rewarding. We recently spoke with Fernanda to learn more about her volunteer

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THINK Together staff gives thanks

THINK Together staff gives thanks

I am thankful for the blessing received this pass year. Two new nieces (Jessica and Janice), new home, and wonderful friends and co-workers. But most of all for my health and being able to do what I love to do, which is to work with kids. Martha Ramos, Site Coordinator at Estock

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SRAP Collegians come together to help THINK Together

SRAP Collegians come together to help THINK Together

Hundreds of student leaders from various southern California colleges gathered for 2012: A SRAP Odyssey, the latest in a series of Southern Residential Assistance Program (SRAP) partnerships with local charities in support of academic programs in under-resourced communities. As one of the two philanthropies selected by SRAP for 2012, THINK

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Building futures with giving hearts

Building futures with giving hearts

THINK Together held a celebration event hosted by Orange County automotive legend and THINK Together board member Donnie Crevier to highlight recent accomplishments and talk about the next big things in store for the fast-growing nonprofit. THINK Together’s celebration, held at Crevier Classic Car Co. in Costa Mesa, included a

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Creating new spaces for learning

Creating new spaces for learning

THINK Together with the support of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County recently opened a new Early Literacy and Math center at Veeh Elementary in the Tustin Unified School District. The Early Literacy and Math center has been in the planning process for several months. The initial idea

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Volunteer Profile: ‘Knowing I’m helping students grasp concepts is what keeps me coming back’

Volunteer Profile: ‘Knowing I’m helping students grasp concepts is what keeps me coming back’

Ashlee Gonzales is a local high school student. As a longtime volunteer at Birney Elementary in Colton, she knows the positive affects volunteering can have within a students’ academic career. Ashlee wants to become an elementary school teacher and she greatly values her experiences as a THINK Together volunteer. We

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Investor Profile: Q&A with Kendra Doyel of Ralphs and Food 4 Less

Investor Profile: Q&A with Kendra Doyel of Ralphs and Food 4 Less

THINK Together benefits from many strategic and philanthropic partners who invest in our academic programs that in turn help the children we serve to bridge the educationalachievement gap. One of those important and key partners has been Ralphs, one of the largest and oldest grocery store companies in the state.

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THINK Together and local community members lend a helping hand to Make A Difference

THINK Together and local community members lend a helping hand to Make A Difference

“Make A Difference” day is the largest day of community service in the nation. Thousands of projects are planned every year for this national day of doing good. Uniting locally to improve the lives of others gives people a chance to connect and build a flourishing community. When people are

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Golfing fore a cause

Golfing fore a cause

The weather couldn’t have been any better for the annual Charles Abbott Memorial Golf Tournament, which was held at the Monarch Beach Golf Links. More than 90 golfers suited up and got into their golf carts ready to play for a great cause. The Charles Abbott Memorial Foundation makes it

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THINK Together and Children and Families Commission set a new reading record on Oct. 4 promoting early literacy

THINK Together and Children and Families Commission set a new reading record on Oct. 4 promoting early literacy

The numbers are in and THINK Together and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County can now celebrate another record-breaking performance at Jumpstart’s annual Read for the Record earlier this month. This year a total of 21,214 children ages 0-5 were read to in Orange County, which surpassed last

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THINK Together is keeping the lights on afterschool

THINK Together is keeping the lights on afterschool

On Oct. 18., THINK Together’s extended learning time programs joined more than 7,500 communities, and 1 million Americans nationwide to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, an annual event that calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs for youth, families, and communities. Last Thursday, after the final school bell rang, THINK

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Broadcom provides close to 1,000 employees with a book doctor volunteer activity as part of their employee team-building event

Broadcom provides close to 1,000 employees with a book doctor volunteer activity as part of their employee team-building event

About 1,000 Broadcom employees participated in a team building activity through THINK Together’s Book Doctor program on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Hyatt Huntington Beach. The positive energy on the Huntington Beach shore was extremely upbeat when droves of Broadcom employees arrived for this incredible volunteer event. The event benefitted

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THINK Together summer intern attends presidential debate

THINK Together summer intern attends presidential debate

Note: Samantha Johns is a summer intern for THINK Together’s Marketing and Communications Department. She is currently studying communications at the University of Denver. Samantha had the opportunity to attend the First Presidential Debate on her campus last night and she took the time to share some photos as well

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Tracy Bennett is paving the pathway for alignment with her doctoral research

Tracy Bennett is paving the pathway for alignment with her doctoral research

Tracy Bennett, THINK Together’s Manager of Evaluation and a Doctoral Fellow at UC Irvine, has been awarded the 2012 California Educational Research Association’s Outstanding Paper of the Year. “I am honored to be part of the THINK Together team and mission, and am excited to share what we all have learned

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THINK Together increases academic potential for student athletes at Valley High School

THINK Together increases academic potential for student athletes at Valley High School

Student athletes at Valley High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District have been meeting their high expectations for academic performance without struggle thanks to the support they are provided from both school and THINK Together leaders. “These student athletes are motivated by sports but academically are unsuccessful,” said

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Board chair at THINK Together wins the Private Sector Leader of the Year award

Board chair at THINK Together wins the Private Sector Leader of the Year award

Fran Inman is a great civic and philanthropic leader. Through her leadership and achievements in Southern California and Washington DC on behalf of transportation, she recently was awarded the Private Sector Leader of the Year Award at the Mobility 21 Summit. Inman is the senior vice president at Majestic Realty Co.,

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THINK Together and Children and Families Commission hope to set a new reading record on Oct. 4 to promote early literacy

THINK Together and Children and Families Commission hope to set a new reading record on Oct. 4 to promote early literacy

THINK Together and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County are aiming for another record-breaking performance during Jumpstart’s annual Read for the Record event on Thursday, Oct. 4, which spreads the gift of reading to America’s youngest children. The book that will be read for the record this year is “Ladybug

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Volunteer Group Profile: 12,297 books collected in a month!

Volunteer Group Profile: 12,297 books collected in a month!

Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund led a month-long book drive in which they collected 12,297 books. This group is comprised of more than 100 Orange County women philanthropists whose focus is on building self-sufficiency for women and girls. JoAnn Albers and Barb Shangraw who are the Women’s Philanthropy

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THINK Together and New Futuro partner to help Latino families

THINK Together and New Futuro partner to help Latino families

New Futuro recently launched a first-of-its-kind, bilingual educational community designed to help Latino families get their students into college and beyond. THINK Together is New Futuro’s extended learning time partner in Los Angeles. To kick off this new national program New Futuro will be hosting five free college fairs sponsored by, Allstate.

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THINK Together acquires new building in deal with Children and Families Commission

THINK Together acquires new building in deal with Children and Families Commission

Tens of thousands of Orange County’s youngest children will benefit from high-quality early literacy and math programs for at least the next 10 years, the result of an innovative funding arrangement between THINK Together and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. Since 2010, the Commission has partnered with

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City National Bank, National Charity League, and Pepperdine Alumni become book doctors

City National Bank, National Charity League, and Pepperdine Alumni become book doctors

On Saturday, Sep. 8, 60 volunteers from City National Bank, National Charity League, and Pepperdine Alumni participated in THINK Together’s Book Doctor event. The volunteers helped clean 2,033 books during a two hour period . THINK Together’s goal is to get these 2,033 books back into the community within a

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THINK Together students and staff walk in remembrance of those who lost their lives eleven years ago on Sept. 11

THINK Together students and staff walk in remembrance of those who lost their lives eleven years ago on Sept. 11

On the 11th anniversary of Sept. 11, THINK Together middle school students and staff from Burke Middle in Pico Rivera walked to their local fire station to hand deliver thank you letters. The students started writing their letters last week and were anxious to have the opportunity to deliver the letters

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Adrian Arvizu goes the extra mile for his students

Adrian Arvizu goes the extra mile for his students

Adrian Arvizu is a site coordinator at Madrid Middle School in El Monte for both the summer program and regular program. The summer program allows him and his program leaders to get to know the students that are new to the program before the long school year starts. While the

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Building sustainability to create a better future for students

Building sustainability to create a better future for students

September Investor Profile: Eric Boden “The bible teaches us that ‘to whom much is given, much will be required.’ We have been blessed with abundance in our lives and we want to share our gifts to create a better future for our children.” Eric Boden is a member of the THINK Together

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Director of Recruiting Tricia Gonzales says THINK Together helped her land her dream job

Director of Recruiting Tricia Gonzales says THINK Together helped her land her dream job

After five years at THINK Together, Tricia Gonzales the director of staffing is leaving for her dream job as a National Trainer at AIRS (Advanced Internet Recruitment Strategies), an ADP (Automatic Data Processing) company. One of her best memories at THINK was moving from the Los Angeles office to the

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THINK Together starts school year with an increase in students and new schools served

THINK Together starts school year with an increase in students and new schools served

It’s back to school time, and as San Bernardino General Manager Fernando Reyes says, “this is the time when we have an opportunity to create a lifelong, memorable impression on the students we serve by teaching them a lifelong skill; helping a student in need when struggling with a concern;

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Volunteer Profile: ‘I wish THINK Together was around when I was younger’

Volunteer Profile: ‘I wish THINK Together was around when I was younger’

Ralph Guerrero Ralph Guerrero (pictured on right) is a college student at Rio Hondo Community College. As a longtime volunteer at Cogswell Elementary and now as of recent a substitute program leader, he knows the impact community members can make in the lives of our local youth. We recently asked

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Sysco Foods LA hosts backpack giveaway for THINK Together students in the Bassett Unified School District

Sysco Foods LA hosts backpack giveaway for THINK Together students in the Bassett Unified School District

Employees from Sysco Foods LA volunteered their time early on a Saturday morning to fill up 550 backpacks with back to school items for THINK Together students in the Bassett Unified School District. This is the second giveaway that Sysco has held in partnership with THINK Together. The first event

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Bank of America book doctors

Bank of America book doctors

Last Thursday, 26 Bank of America executives from Orange County and Los Angeles donated their time to help in THINK Together’s popular Book Doctor event. Along with almost an hour of their time, the executives also donated 144 gently used books. In about 45 minutes, the group doctored 634 books, cleaning them

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THINK Together’s high school students participated in summer institute

THINK Together’s high school students participated in summer institute

A total of 76 students at Century, Valley, Azusa, and Gladstone high schools participated in THINK Together Summer Youth Institutes, a special program co-funded and co-led by THINK Together and the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. The Youth Institute uses technology as an integral mechanism for promoting positive youth development

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Kathleen Sanchez named new Multimedia Communications Specialist

Kathleen Sanchez named new Multimedia Communications Specialist

Kathleen Sanchez has been chosen as the new Multimedia Communications Specialist for the Marketing and Communications Department. In addition to being the Manager of Volunteers for Los Angeles County at THINK Together, where Kathleen manages and places about 350 high school, college, and community volunteers at 59 school sites, she

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Teachers Rock Concert sponsored by Walmart airing this Friday

Teachers Rock Concert sponsored by Walmart airing this Friday

The Wal-Mart Foundation is featuring THINK Together’s summer learning program at a Teachers Rock concert in Los Angeles on Aug. 14 which will be aired on CBS on Aug. 17.  In addition to showcasing THINK Together’s work, Wal-Mart is giving each teacher at the five schools in our summer program

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PIMCO and THINK Together partnered in Book Doctor event

PIMCO and THINK Together partnered in Book Doctor event

On Monday July 30, 14 PIMCO (Pacific Investment Management Co.) employees volunteered almost two hours of their time in order to help in THINK Together’s Book Doctor event. This event was designed to clean up gently used books that were donated at the We Care Wednesday book drive at the Orange County

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Volunteer Profile: ‘You get really invested in their life’

Volunteer Profile: ‘You get really invested in their life’

Susan Abbott Susan Abbot is a retired Special Education Teacher and is currently the owner of Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. As a longtime volunteer at the Shalimar Learning Center in Costa Mesa and a THINK Together investor and donor, she knows first-hand the results of extended learning time programs. We

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Walmart Foundation to Honor Teachers at THINK Together Schools

Walmart Foundation to Honor Teachers at THINK Together Schools

The Walmart Foundation is featuring THINK Together’s summer learning program at a Teachers Rock concert in Los Angeles on Aug. 14 which will be aired on CBS on Aug. 17.  In addition to showcasing THINK Together’s work, Walmart is giving each teacher at the five schools in our summer program a

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THINK Together’s Elementary School Students in Santa Ana Unified School District Performed at Target Symphony in the Cities Concert on July 29

THINK Together’s Elementary School Students in Santa Ana Unified School District Performed at Target Symphony in the Cities Concert on July 29

More than 150 THINK Together’s summer program students from Diamond, Harvey, and King elementary schools performed July 29 at the Target Symphony in the Cities concert as part of a Summer Strings program—a partnership between THINK Together, the Pacific Symphony, and the Santa Ana Unified School District. Santa Ana Summer

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More Than $1.2 Million Invested In THINK Together After Leona Aronoff-Sadacca’s Challenge Is Met

More Than $1.2 Million Invested In THINK Together After Leona Aronoff-Sadacca’s Challenge Is Met

The fund development challenge of $500,000 by THINK Together board member Leona Aronoff-Sadacca to raise funds for the state’s largest provider of extended learning time programs sparked a catalytic investment response of more than a $1.2 million that will help thousands of kids close the education achievement gap. This past

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Director of Early Literacy Promoted to Executive Director of THINK Together’s Orange County region

Director of Early Literacy Promoted to Executive Director of THINK Together’s Orange County region

A little more than 18 years after she first sought tutoring help at the Shalimar Learning Center, Nadia Flores has been promoted to executive director of Orange County for Santa Ana-based THINK Together, which got its start in that same Costa Mesa neighborhood center. The Shalimar Learning Center, founded by

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THINK Together and OC Fair Partnered On Children’s Book Drive On “We Care Wednesday” July 25

THINK Together and OC Fair Partnered On Children’s Book Drive On “We Care Wednesday” July 25

Through a new partnership with the OC Fair, THINK Together, the state’s fastest growing provider of extended learning time programs, took part in this year’s We Care Wednesday event on July 25, taking in nearly 60,000 new and used books to be distributed to children throughout Orange County. In exchange for

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THINK Together and Pacific Symphony String Together to Produce the Summer Strings Program

THINK Together and Pacific Symphony String Together to Produce the Summer Strings Program

THINK Together, the Pacific Symphony, and Santa Ana Unified School District are teaming up to provide a Summer Strings program for THINK Together children. The program lasts for five weeks throughout the summer. The program began on June 20 and will culminate with a big group concert at the Symphony’s

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THINK Together Director of Strategic Initiatives is the Face of a New Partnership with GOT MILK?

THINK Together Director of Strategic Initiatives is the Face of a New Partnership with GOT MILK?

THINK Together’s Director of Strategic Initiatives Alicia Maciel has become the face of a new GOT MILK? campaign that aims to raise much-needed funds for extended learning time programs throughout the state. THINK Together, the Bay Area Community Resources and the Central Valley Afterschool Foundation, which support afterschool programs for

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THINK Together’s Middle School Students in Los Angeles Re-enact ‘The Hunger Games’

THINK Together’s Middle School Students in Los Angeles Re-enact ‘The Hunger Games’

On Wednesday July 11, about 200 THINK Together middle school students took part in Celebration of Summer Learning events at schools throughout the Mountain View and Baldwin Park school districts, one of which included students and teachers re-enacting a scene from the popular “Hunger Games” book. THINK Together is one

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Got Milk? Lends Helping Hand With Glasses Sale To Raise $50,000 for THINK Together and other partners

Got Milk? Lends Helping Hand With Glasses Sale To Raise $50,000 for THINK Together and other partners

Got Milk? Lends Helping Hand With Glasses Sale To Raise $50,000 for THINK Together and other partners. Go to Newsroom to read the Press Release.   SHARE

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Six students awarded $15,000 worth of scholarships at THINK Together’s Highland, Noah and Shalimar Teen Graduation

Six students awarded $15,000 worth of scholarships at THINK Together’s Highland, Noah and Shalimar Teen Graduation

THINK Together and local philanthropy Women of Vision Orange County doled out $15,000 in scholarships on Friday June 8 during a graduation ceremony at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach that honored 26 graduates of the Highland, Noah and Shalimar Teen Centers. Two students received THINK Together’s annual “Good

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Golden Eagle Insurance and THINK Together Team-up for a Trip to the Santa Ana Zoo

Golden Eagle Insurance and THINK Together Team-up for a Trip to the Santa Ana Zoo

On Friday June 22, 30 volunteers from Golden Eagle Insurance joined 94 THINK Together Early Learning Program children and 45 of their parents for a fun morning at the Santa Ana Zoo.   “Celebrating our company’s 100th anniversary by serving in the community felt right given the history and traditions

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Nearly 1,300 THINK Together Students Visit Botanic Garden in Claremont for Summer Field Trip

Nearly 1,300 THINK Together Students Visit Botanic Garden in Claremont for Summer Field Trip

Last week, about 1,300 elementary and middle students from the Ontario-Montclair School District visited the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, a learning and research center focused strictly on California native plants, in Claremont. The Garden features 86 acres of California floristic plants and is the largest botanical garden dedicated exclusively to California’s

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Sysco Foods LA donates food to needy THINK Together families in the Bassett Unified School District

Sysco Foods LA donates food to needy THINK Together families in the Bassett Unified School District

Employees from Sysco Foods LA worked tirelessly and gave up a day of their weekend and spare time to prepare more than 500 food boxes for the THINK Together families in Bassett Unified School District. On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, Cheryl Baptiste, Director of Human Resources at Sysco Foods Los

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Google employees volunteer their time at Shalimar Teen and Youth centers in Costa Mesa

Google employees volunteer their time at Shalimar Teen and Youth centers in Costa Mesa

Students at THINK Together’s Shalimar Learning Center and Shalimar Teen Center received a nice treat last week as about 25 employees from Google stopped in to volunteer their services for an afternoon. “I’ve never been to program like this,” said Google volunteer Jacob Dunphy. “It was great to see how

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THINK CEO Randy Barth talks education reform to San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership

THINK CEO Randy Barth talks education reform to San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership

THINK Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth last week gave a well-received talk on education reform to the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership board. In his talk titled, “A Holistic Look at Education Reform in California,” Barth pointed out to those business leaders gathered that fixing the state’s education system

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THINK Together students from El Monte’s Madrid Middle School have some solar fun in the sun

THINK Together students from El Monte’s Madrid Middle School have some solar fun in the sun

THINK Together students from Madrid Middle School in El Monte had a fun and enriching six-week long program that involved learning about alternative energy and building a solar car as well as a solar oven. They got to show off their cool solar cars during a lunchtime race. Several students

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Mission Bell THINK Together students visit historic Flabob Airport for educational field trip

Mission Bell THINK Together students visit historic Flabob Airport for educational field trip

Fifth- and sixth-grade THINK Together students from Mission Bell Elementary School in the Jurupa Unified School District were recently treated to a field trip at the historic Flabob Airport in Riverside. Known as ”The little airport that time forgot,” Flabob Airport is the seventh oldest surviving airport in California. It was

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Invest in THINK Together now to meet Leona Aronoff-Sadacca’s $500,000 matching grant

Invest in THINK Together now to meet Leona Aronoff-Sadacca’s $500,000 matching grant

With June 30 fast approaching, THINK Together board member Leona Aronoff-Sadacca is hoping the community comes through and meets her $500,000 matching grant challenge, which would result in an additional $1 million of funding for this fast-growing, nonprofit provider of extended learning time programs. Click HERE to donate to THINK

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Tracy Elementary’s THINK Together program designated as a Healthy Behaviors Initiative model

Tracy Elementary’s THINK Together program designated as a Healthy Behaviors Initiative model

THINK Together’s program at Tracy Elementary School in Baldwin Park recently received recognition for its hard work in promoting child wellness as it was named a demonstration site for the Healthy Behaviors Initiative. The THINK Together staff from Tracy Elementary received the recognition at the “Changing Lives, Saving Lives” event

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THINK Together honors Early Learning Program parents and children at End of the Year Celebration

THINK Together honors Early Learning Program parents and children at End of the Year Celebration

THINK Together celebrated its End of the Year Celebration at Villa Intermediate School in the Santa Ana Unified School District with a tribute to the parents and children who take part in the Early Learning Program. More than 300 people attended the event, 150 of them were parents who either

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Read today’s latest roundup of news and views from the media and blogosphere

Read today’s latest roundup of news and views from the media and blogosphere

The THINKing Post Help us get the conversation started on how we can reform education by Teaching, Helping, Inspiring and Nurturing our Kids. See below for News and Views on education, extended learning, health and wellness and more: Education Reform  Los Angeles Times: GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney embraces education

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THINK Together Receives Grant Award From Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center To Help Promote Healthy Behaviors

THINK Together Receives Grant Award From Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center To Help Promote Healthy Behaviors

THINK Together’s extended learning time programs at Baldwin Park schools received a healthy boost this Tuesday as Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center officials delivered a $10,000 grant that will go toward wellness programs. Click here to read a story about the grant in the Baldwin Park Patch. “Kaiser Permanente

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THINK Together students sing, dance and perform during graduation ceremonies at Brown Middle School

THINK Together students sing, dance and perform during graduation ceremonies at Brown Middle School

THINK Together kicked off the graduation season with a moving End of Year Celebration at David A. Brown Middle School in Wildomar, where 27  students marked their graduation from the program. Led by Site Coordinator Sean D’Encarnacao, several of the middle school students took to the school stage to perform

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Get the conversation started on how we can help close the achievement gap

Get the conversation started on how we can help close the achievement gap

The THINKing Post Help us get the conversation started on how we can reform education by Teaching, Helping, Inspiring and Nurturing our Kids. See below for News and Views on education, extended learning, health and wellness and more: Education Reform Huffington Post: New York City Mayor Bloomberg is slashing out

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Whittier Resource Fair is a hit with the community

Whittier Resource Fair is a hit with the community

The inaugural Whittier Area Community Resource Fair on Saturday, May 12  at Richard L. Graves Middle School in Whittier drew 700 people who got access to much-needed resources, including education, social services, nutrition, mental health, public safety and employment. “The kids loved it, the families loved it, we brought everything to them,” said Anne

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Community steps in and pushes commitments to Leona Aronoff-Sadacca matching grant beyond halfway mark

Community steps in and pushes commitments to Leona Aronoff-Sadacca matching grant beyond halfway mark

THINK Together board member Leona Aronoff-Sadacca has put $500,000 on the line in a challenge to her colleagues and the community to raise $1 million to continue to fund the organization’s extended learning time programs that serve more than 100,000 students annually. And that challenge has paid off as fellow

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THINK Volunteers honored by OneOC at Disneyland Hotel

THINK Volunteers honored by OneOC at Disneyland Hotel

                        Last Friday, three THINK Together volunteers were honored at ONE OC’s Spirit of Volunteerism Awards ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel. Those honored were Diego Leonal Mateo, a volunteer at Spurgeon Intermediate in Santa Ana, Jashaun Armstrong, a volunteer

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THINK Together’s Early Literacy Program partners with Red Cross to teach CPR and first-aid

AmeriCorps volunteers demonstrate first-aid techniques On Saturday April 14, THINK Together’s Early Literacy Program partnered with the Orange County Red-Cross and hosted a community initiative certifying 83 people in CPR and first-aid. Amy Estey, AmeriCorps member in Preparedness and Community Education and Michelle Catanzano, lead instructor of volunteers, led the

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THINK Volunteers honored by OneOC at Disneyland Hotel

Last Friday, three THINK Together volunteers were honored at ONE OC’s Spirit of Volunteerism Awards ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel.   Those honored were Diego Leonal Mateo, a volunteer at Spurgeon Intermediate in Santa Ana, Jashaun Armstrong, a volunteer at Santa Ana’s Century High School and Deanna Hernandez, an Early Literacy

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THINK Together middle school students show off their science skills

About 20 THINK Together middle school students got to take part in the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair’s annual competition, a first for the nonprofit, extended-learning program. The student exhibits were made possible through a partnership with the Broadcom Foundation, OCSEF, Discovery Science Center, and the Santa Ana Unified

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BMW dealership owner Donnie Crevier one of five new members of THINK Together board

Paolo Leon is a THINK Together alum and a new member of the board of directors THINK Together bolstered the leadership of its Board of Directors this week with the addition of five new members, including Orange County auto dealership legend Donnie Crevier, as well as executives in the dental,

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Donnie Crevier and THINK graduate Paolo Leon join THINK Together board

Donnie Crevier and THINK graduate Paolo Leon join THINK Together board

THINK Together bolstered the leadership of its Board of Directors this week with the addition of five new members, including Orange County auto dealership legend Donnie Crevier, as well as executives in the dental, technology and retail food industries. Also joining the board is the President and CEO of Smile

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Volunteers pitch in to help THINK Together with garden at Cogswell Elementary

 Community volunteers and Environmental Leadership students from El Monte High School helped the THINK Together staff and students this week with the “Hop into Spring” event at Cogswell Elementary School. With help from Plastics Make it Possible, an American Chemistry Council initiative that highlights the many ways plastics improve lives,

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THINK Together takes part in Read Across America Day

March 2 is the birthday of beloved children’s author Theodore Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. To celebrate his birthday and the joy of reading, the National Education Association created Read Across America Day, where educators and community leaders mark the day by reading books to school children. This year,

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THINK Together kids learn there are many ways to stay fit and healthy

Staying healthy is a big part of THINK Together and kids in our Baldwin Park schools recently took part in several activities designed to promote healthy living. Through the Harvest of the Month program, children at Tracy Elementary School in Baldwin Park learn about a fruit or vegetable every month.

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THINK Together volunteers help cultivate school garden at Miramonte Elementary

Several THINK Together volunteers recently offered students an opportunity to learn more about health and wellness through a school garden program.    Click here to see the story in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune In October of 2010, THINK Together, along with nearly 30 volunteers from Southern California Edison, built

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THINK Early Literacy kids go on Heritage Museum field trip

On Tuesday, students and parents in THINK Together’s Early Literacy Program took a field trip to Santa Ana’s Heritage Museum. Taking the parents and students along was site coordinator Joevanie Lopez, who took his Sepulveda class. Joevanie was joined by parent trainer Maria Jimenez, child care provider Martha and three

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Check out this slideshow of the PIMCO executives visit to THINK Together

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PIMCO Visits THINK Together in Santa Ana

A PIMCO executive shares a fun tutoring moment with a THINK Together student . THINK Together, California’s fastest-growing extended-learning program, recently partnered with PIMCO, a leading global investment management firm, to invest in the most precious commodity of all: children. As participants in THINK Together’s “Royal Reader” program, PIMCO assigned

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Santa Fe Springs schools host ‘Olympic Games’ By Sandra T. Molina, Staff Writer Posted: 01/25/2012 08:10:30 PM PST Nearly 200 Lakeland and Cresson elementary students competed Wednesday in “Olympic Games,” including a cross country race, as part of Little Lake School District’s after-school programming provided by THINK Together. (Leo Jarzomb /

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Santa Fe Springs schools host ‘Olympic Games’

    By Sandra T. Molina, Staff Writer Posted: 01/25/2012 08:10:30 PM PST Nearly 200 Lakeland and Cresson elementary students competed Wednesday in “Olympic Games,” including a cross country race, as part of Little Lake School District’s after-school programming provided by THINK Together. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff Photographer) SANTA FE SPRINGS

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Volunteers serve as ‘Book Doctors’ on Martin Luther King day for THINK’s early literacy program

We were more walk-in clinic than war zone MASH unit. The injuries we saw were nothing an eraser and a few labels couldn’t cure; no serious wounds for us. In fact, these books — given that they were in need of some attention — were in remarkably good shape. AmeriCorps

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Nadia Flores awarded “Maestro Positivo” (Master of Positivity) by milk board

By THERESA CISNEROS / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER SANTA ANA – An Orange County woman who works for an after-school program that serves more than 100,000 students statewide has been recognized by the California Milk Processor Board for encouraging Latino families to adopt healthier lifestyles. Nadia Flores, director of community outreach

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Walker Elementary Students Celebrate Fitness Center Opening

Students at Walker Elementary School are enjoying a new $100,000 fitness center on campus, the prize for being one of just six schools in California to shine in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge.  The challenge encouraged students across the state to exercise regularly. Walker students collectively logged more than 81,000 active days,

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Building Connections to People and Places

Summer Learning for THINK Togther students at Harriet Eddy Middle School in Elk Grove begins every morning with a team building exercise. It’s now the third week of program and our student leaders take charge of their small-group team and lead them through chants and fast paced activities to get

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From Summer School to Summer Learning

My summer school experiences, unlike other cherished childhood memories, are not ones I revisit frequently. When searching for vestiges of that time, the images that surface in my mind are of long days inside a frigid portable classroom, a deserted campus and indifferent classmates. As a recent arrival to the

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Summer Learning Program Builds Self-Esteem

By Deena Ledesma, parent and teacher As a parent and teacher in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), I can tell you that I have been delighted with the summer program offered at Lewis Middle School by the district and THINK Together. I know what solid programs look like;

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Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce

Purposeful training & a focus on core values make THINK Together’s model a standout among extended learning time program providers CynDee Zanes, chief program officer We have all heard the adage that you never have a second chance to make a first impression.  That statement holds true for employers, especially

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Summer Learning = Summer Fun!

Lora Rivas, 8th grade Language Arts Teacher Harriett Eddy Middle School, Elk Grove USD Keeping students engaged is one of the biggest challenges I face each day as an 8th grade teacher.  Yet, my students in the summer learning program offered by THINK Together, had fun while taking part in

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THINK Together earns prestigious LA84 Foundation Grant

Grants from private foundations and private philanthropy are critical to THINK Together’s ability to provide quality programs statewide to students.   Private philanthropy also funds special enrichment activities that would otherwise not be available to all students.  Thanks to the generosity of the LA84 Foundation, a private non-profit foundation created out

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THINK Together to Participate in 5th Annual Los Angeles Homewalk 2011

 THINK Students and their banner for Homewalk 2010  On Saturday November 19th, THINK Together will participate in the 5th Annual United Way Los Angeles Homewalk 2011 to end homelessness in Los Angeles County, with more than 500 participants expected to join the cause on behalf of THINK Together.

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THINK Together named 2011 Hero In Education by Lake Elsinore USD

On Thursday October 20th, 2011, THINK Together was awarded the 2011 Hero in Education Award by the Lake Elsinore Unified School District (LEUSD) for their continued outstanding work in the region. The award honors individuals and organizations that have made and continue to make significant and lasting contributions to the

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THINK Together Receives Computer Donation from Southern California Edison

On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, THINK Together received a donation from Southern California Edison (SCE), which contributed 50 Dell laptop computers to the THINK Together program at the Bassett Unified School District.  THINK Together students will be using the laptop computers to support homework completion and other educational activities tied

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THINK Together Celebrates Lights On Afterschool 2011

The week of October 17th, 2011, THINK Together participated in the 12th Annual Lights On Afterschool event created by the Afterschool Alliance and held nationwide to bring attention to the importance of after-school programs for children, families and communities. Launched in 2000, the annual goal of the event is to

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Orange County Read for the Record Event 2011

On Thursday, October 6, 2011, THINK Together’s Early Literacy Program participated in Jumpstart’s National Read for the Record, an event held nationwide to bring attention to the importance of early literacy particularly for children from lower income households who do not have access to books prior to entering kindergarten. The annual goal

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Read for the Record 2011 at Westfield MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana

On Thursday, October 6, 2011, THINK Together participated in Jumpstart’s National Read for the Record campaign by holding a children’s reading event at Westfield MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, CA to read the book “Llama Llama, Red Pajama” written by Anna Dewdney. The Sixth Annual event was held to raise awareness about

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Read for the Record Event 2011

On Thursday, October 6, 2011, THINK Together participated in Jumpstart’s National Read for the Record campaign by holding a children’s reading event at Westfield MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, CA to read the book “Llama Llama, Red Pajama” written by Anna Dewdney. The Sixth Annual event was held to raise awareness about

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THINK Together recieves Community Pillar Award

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From Summer School to Summer Learning

My summer school experiences, unlike other cherished childhood memories, are not ones I revisit frequently. When searching for vestiges of that time, the images that surface in my mind are of long days inside a frigid portable classroom, a deserted campus and indifferent classmates. As a recent arrival to the

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Building Connections to People and Places

“My son, Matthew talks about much he enjoys his classes and his teachers. This is such an amazing turnaround from his difficult 7th grade year. The THINK program is really making Matthew Think differently about school and his future. Thank you to all the teachers and administrators who encourage the

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Matthew McConaughey’s j.k. livin Foundation to partner with THINK Together

From the OC Register, June 9, 2011 THINK Together and McConaughey’s j.k. livin Foundation will begin programs this fall at Century and Valley high schools in Santa Ana aimed at promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles among students. Actor Matthew McConaughey, left, and partner Camila Alves will appear Saturday in Anaheim

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Geoffrey Canada & Matthew McConaughey to be featured at THINK Together Benefit

There are less than 10 days before our 2011 Annual Benefit (6.11.11) which will feature Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone, and special guest Matthew McConaughey!  See invitation below or visit http://issuu.com/thinktogether/docs/thinktogetherbenefit Click to learn more about the 2011 Annual Benefit or register online. SHARE

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Vision, Mission, Values @ THINK Together

Vision – What THINK Together might become All children will receive the support they need from family, school and community to enable them to reach their full potential and become productive adults and responsible, contributing members of the community. Mission – Why THINK Together exists To provide high quality academically-oriented

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Early Literacy + Parent Empowerment Program Transform Homelife

By Jeff Jordan When I first walked into the THINK Together Raising a Reader early literacy program, I was not sure what to expect. The last thing I thought I would see was a fairy, yes a fairy, teaching the children. Nevertheless, there she was, a grown woman in a

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Somerville-Bennett hired as THINK Together’s IE General Manager

Lisa Somerville-Bennett is THINK Together’s newest General Manager with responsibility for the organization’s Inland Empire (IE) Region. Adriana Kingtson who previously managed the IE Region will move over to manage a new Southern California Region. Born and raised in Southern California, Lisa has enjoyed more than 31 years in education.

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Hear how THINK Together helped this local family

click arrow below to play video here In this video, hear how THINK Together’s early literacy program, carried out in partnership with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, helped one local family. Visit THINK Together’s channel on YouTube. SHARE

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Pio Pic Parents visit Santa Ana Library with THINK Together

click arrow below to view slideshow here Nearly two dozen parents and 35 children visited the Santa Ana library with Pio Pico’s THINK Together  Community Outreach Coordinator Arianna Esparza. Parents are a part of THINK Together’s Early Literacy program where they rotate a book bag weekly and learn literacy techniques

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THINK Together & AmeriCorps: April 2011 Newsletter

Read about the meaningful impact THINK Together and AmeriCorps are having on several Southern California neighborhoods and communities. (April 2011 Newsletter) click graphic to access complete .pdf SHARE

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See What These Kids & THINK Together did on Spring Break

Last week, THINK Together offered a full-day Spring Break program that served more than 5,000 Santa Ana students district-wide. Here’s a slideshow with photos of the representatives activities in which students participated. click arrow below to view slideshow here SHARE

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THINK Together Completes Successful Santa Ana Spring Break Program

Post by Randy Barth, THINK Together founder & CEO Last week, our tireless staff ran a full-day Spring Break program district-wide that served more than 5,000 Santa Ana students. This created an opportunity for these students to have a fun-enriching week as well as the opportunity to participate in preparation

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THINK Together Completes Successful Santa Ana Spring Break Program

Post by Randy Barth, THINK Together founder & CEO Last week, our tireless staff ran a full-day Spring Break program district-wide that served more than 5,000 Santa Ana students. This created an opportunity for these students to have a fun-enriching week as well as the opportunity to participate in preparation

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THINK Together Students Participted in LA Marathon

click arrow below to view slideshow here As part of the 2011 LA Marathon activities, students from the THINK Together program at Tracy Elementary (Baldwin Park, CA) participated in KidsMarathon. In the weeks leading up to the LA Marathon, the Tracey Elementary students lopgged a total of 25 miles running

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Early Literacy: An Entire Family Benefits

Written by Jeff Jordan with Nadia Flores Betty Torres and her son Peter at Sepulveda Elementary School in Santa Ana In the constant battle against TV and video games versus education, parents are fighting an uphill battle. Many kids do not want to study and try to avoid homework. The

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THINK Together Moves Into Northern California

Students at Franklin Elementary School (Elk Grove Unified School District) THINK Together, the largest non-profit provider of extended learning time programs, is expanding to Northern California opening after-school programs this Spring in partnership with the Elk Grove Unified School District (Sacramento County). These new programs will serve 400 students at

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THINK Together Hires Parent Education Director in Santa Ana

SPOTLIGHTNew Hire Maria Paez-Jimenez has been hired as THINK Together’s Parent Education Trainer. In addition to offering parenting classes and workshops at 7 schools in Santa Ana, Maria also connects parents to resources and serves as a liaison between the community and the school. The classes themselves focus on themes

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THINK Together Volunteer Yariza Amaton to be Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Luncheon

Yariza Amaton is a wonderful volunteer that supports THINK Together’s Pre-K Early Literacy Programs at both Heninger and Sepulveda Elementary Schools in Santa Ana. She is one of seven THINK Together volunteers who will be among those honored at OneOC’s 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon April 14th at the

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SAVE THE DATE: THINK Together’s Annual Benefit Dinner – June 11, 2011

SAVE THE DATE! THINK Together Annual Benefit Dinner June 11, 2011 Hilton Anaheim Questions: email Mcastillo@thinktogether.org or call (714) 543-3807, x 8118 THINK Together proudly announces this year’s keynote speaker, Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO of the extraordinary Harlem Children’s Zone. Mr. Canada, a nationally respected advocate for educational reform, was prominently

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THINK Together Volunteer Abi McBean to be Honored at Spirit of Vounteerism Luncheon

Abi McBean is a senior at Corona Del Mar High School and has been volunteering at the Shalimar Learning Center (THINK Together’s Costa Mesa “Legacy” site) for two years. She is one of seven THINK Together volunteers who will be among those honored at OneOC’s 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism

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THINK Together & AmeriCorps: March 2011 Newsletter

Read about the meaningful impact THINK Together and AmeriCorps are having on several Southern California neighborhoods and communities. (March 2011 Newsletter). Click graphic above to access complete .pdf SHARE

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THINK Together Volunteer Rocio Montalvo Among Those to be Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Luncheon

Rocio Montalvo is a patient, helpful and friendly THINK Together volunteer who enjoys working as well as laughing with our students at Madison Elementary (Santa Ana, CA). She is one of seven THINK Together volunteers who will be among those honored at OneOC’s 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon

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THINK Together Students Light Up After-School

Students in the THINK Together programs at Madison Elementary School (Santa Ana, CA), With the help of photographer Eric A. Nelson and their THINK Together support team, used their brilliant minds and focus to create this human light bulb as part of “Project Light Up.” SHARE

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THINK Together Students Land on Postage Stamp

Click graphic above to order Students and staff at Madison Elementary School (Santa Ana, CA), working with photographer Eric A. Nelson, created this photo which is now available on a U.S. Postage Stamp.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the stamp go to THINK Together.  Purchase here. SHARE

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Together a Garden: THINK Together + Southern California Edison and Miramonte Elementary School

click arrow below to play video here Together a Garden: THINK Together with Southern California Edison and Miramonte Elementary School (South El Monte, CA) on Make A Difference Day. Volunteer at THINK TogetherVisit THINK Together on YouTubeAlternative viewing on SchoolTube SHARE

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On Seuss’ Birthday ‘Cat in the Hat’ Visits the Early Literacy Program at Sepulveda Elementary

click arrow below to view slideshow here The ‘Cat in the Hat’ (THINK Together Community Outreach Coordinator Joevanie Lopez) visited the pre-kinder literacy program at Sepulveda Elementary School (Santa Ana, CA) to mark March 2, 2011, ‘Read Across America’ Day as well as Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. “The Cat in the

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THINK Together Volunteer Yesenia Acolco to be Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Luncheon

Yesenia Acolco, a former Garfield Elementary School (Santa Ana, CA) student, has been volunteering with THINK Together at Garfield since last October. She is one of seven THINK Together volunteers who will be among those honored at OneOC’s 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon April 14th at the Disneyland

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‘Read Across America’ & THINK Together’s Family Literacy Night at Dollahan Elementary

click arrow below to view slideshow here The THINK Together program at Dollahan Elementary School (Rialto, CA) held a Family Literacy Night to mark 2011 ‘Read Across America’ Day! Along with their student(s), parents participated in THINK time doing the following activities: read a book to their child(ren), made creative bookmarks,

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Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss: Students at THINK Together’s Highland Learning Center Support ‘Read Across America’

click arrow below to view slideshow here Students who attend programs at THINK Together’s Highland Learning Center (Orange, CA), one of the organization’s ‘Legacy’ Community Sites, took part in 2011 ‘Read Across America’ Day and celebrated Dr. Seuss’ Birthday as well. Much thanks to THINK Together Site Coordinator Ruth Malagon

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It’s National Reading Month & THINK Together’s Got Bookmarks!

It’s National Reading Month and THINK Together’s got new bookmarks.  If you’d like one, visit THINKtogether.org and in the upper right-hand corner “Join Our Email List” (be sure to include your standard mailing address too). SHARE

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It’s National Reading Month & THINK Together’s Got Bookmarks!

It’s National Reading Month and THINK Together’s got new bookmarks.  If you’d like one, visit THINKtogether.org and in the upper right-hand corner “Join Our Email List” (be sure to include your standard mailing address too). SHARE

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THINK Together Volunteers to be Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon

OneOC (formerly the Volunteer Center of Orange County) will include seven THINK Together volunteers among honorees at its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Luncheon to be held April 14th at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.  The volunteers, who support Santa Ana schools and our Costa Mesa “Legacy” site, include: Yesenia Acolco

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THINK Together Volunteers to be Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon

OneOC (formerly the Volunteer Center of Orange County) will include seven THINK Together volunteers among honorees at its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Luncheon to be held April 14th at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.  The volunteers, who support Santa Ana schools and our Costa Mesa “Legacy” site, include: Yesenia Acolco

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Inspiring Others: TED & THINK Together

At THINK Together we appreciate TED: Ideas Worth Spreading. In this funny, personal and suprisingly moving TED Talk, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius,

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Inspiring Others: TED & THINK Together

At THINK Together we appreciate TED: Ideas Worth Spreading. In this funny, personal and suprisingly moving TED Talk, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius,

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“Like” THINK Together | The World is Obsessed with Facebook

click arrow below to view video hereThe World Is Obsessed With Facebook from Alex Trimpe on Vimeo. If you’re a Facebook user, “Like” THINK Together to stay up with news and information about our extended learning time programs and share your stories, photos and insights too! Also, find THINK Together

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"Like" THINK Together | The World is Obsessed with Facebook

click arrow below to view video hereThe World Is Obsessed With Facebook from Alex Trimpe on Vimeo. If you’re a Facebook user, “Like” THINK Together to stay up with news and information about our extended learning time programs and share your stories, photos and insights too! Also, find THINK Together

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Valley High THINK Together Students Take Top Honors

The Swaggas at ValleyTHINK The Swaggas, a hip-hop dance group that formed as part of the THINK Together after-school program at Valley High School in Santa Ana (ValleyTHINK), took first place among the Dance group and the Overall Talent award at the school’s annual talent show. The group, which formed

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Valley High THINK Together Students Take Top Honors

The Swaggas at ValleyTHINK The Swaggas, a hip-hop dance group that formed as part of the THINK Together after-school program at Valley High School in Santa Ana (ValleyTHINK), took first place among the Dance group and the Overall Talent award at the school’s annual talent show. The group, which formed

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THINK Together’s AmeriCorps Leadership Program – Feb. 2011 Newsletter

 Click above to view Feb. 2011 via Google Documents THINK Together currently has 72 AmeriCorps members serving schools and neighborhoods in the greater El Monte, South El Monte and Rialto communities. SHARE

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THINK Together’s AmeriCorps Leadership Program – Feb. 2011 Newsletter

 Click above to view Feb. 2011 via Google Documents THINK Together currently has 72 AmeriCorps members serving schools and neighborhoods in the greater El Monte, South El Monte and Rialto communities. SHARE

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THINK Together’s AmeriCorps Members Officially Sworn-in

click arrow below to view slideshow here AmeriCorps members working with THINK Together to serve schools and neighborhoods in the greater El Monte, South El Monte and Rialto communities were officially sworn-in at a ceremony on February 14, 2011. Those in attendance included Rialto City Attorney Jimmy Gutierrez, Rialto schools

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Baldwin Park Students Celebrated Valentine’s Day with Bring-A-Friend to THINK Together

click arrow below to view slideshow here Students who take part in the THINK Together after-school program at Walnut Elementary School in Baldwin Park, CA, celebrated Valentine’s Day with “Bring-A-Friend” to introduce fellow students to the program. Thanks to Vanessa Jaquez, THINK Together Site Coordinator at Walnut Elementary, and Kathleen Sanchez, THINK Together Manager of

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Baldwin Park Students Celebrated Valentine’s Day with Bring-A-Friend to THINK Together

click arrow below to view slideshow here Students who take part in the THINK Together after-school program at Walnut Elementary School in Baldwin Park, CA, celebrated Valentine’s Day with “Bring-A-Friend” to introduce fellow students to the program. Thanks to Vanessa Jaquez, THINK Together Site Coordinator at Walnut Elementary, and Kathleen Sanchez, THINK Together Manager of

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St. Joseph Health System’s Ryan Faulkner Elected to THINK Together Board of Directors

Faulkner elected to THINK Together Board Ryan J. Faulkner, senior vice president of Human Resources at St. Joseph Health System (SJHS), has been elected to the Board of Directors of THINK Together, the nonprofit provider of extended learning time programs supporting at-risk and low-income students throughout California. “St. Joseph Health

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St. Joseph Health System’s Ryan Faulkner Elected to THINK Together Board of Directors

Faulkner elected to THINK Together Board Ryan J. Faulkner, senior vice president of Human Resources at St. Joseph Health System (SJHS), has been elected to the Board of Directors of THINK Together, the nonprofit provider of extended learning time programs supporting at-risk and low-income students throughout California. “St. Joseph Health

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THINK Together’s FY 2009-10 Annual Report

Use the embedded viewer below to review THINK Together’s FY 2009-10 Annual Report. This year’s annual report is a simple design by intention. See THINK Together’s FY 2008-09 Annual Report for a more comprehensive guide to the programs and people behind THINK Together. Open publication – Free publishing – More students

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THINK Together’s FY 2009-10 Annual Report

Use the embedded viewer below to review THINK Together’s FY 2009-10 Annual Report. This year’s annual report is a simple design by intention. See THINK Together’s FY 2008-09 Annual Report for a more comprehensive guide to the programs and people behind THINK Together. Open publication – Free publishing – More students

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University of Phoenix and THINK Together Bring Wonder of Robotics Science to Thousands of Southern California Children

excerpted from a Press Release University of Phoenix Funds Support Mobile Robotics Labs at 44 Schools Costa Mesa, CA., Feb. 2, 2011 – University of Phoenix Southern California Campus announced today that it has teamed with THINK Together, California’s largest non-profit provider of after-school and other academically focused extended learning

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University of Phoenix and THINK Together Bring Wonder of Robotics Science to Thousands of Southern California Children

excerpted from a Press Release University of Phoenix Funds Support Mobile Robotics Labs at 44 Schools Costa Mesa, CA., Feb. 2, 2011 – University of Phoenix Southern California Campus announced today that it has teamed with THINK Together, California’s largest non-profit provider of after-school and other academically focused extended learning

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THINK Together’s Social Media Channels & Web 2.0

A primer on Web 2.0 and THINK Together’s social media channels.   Open publication – Free publishing – More youtube THINK Together on: Facebook Twitter YouTube SchoolTube Flickr LinkedIn SHARE

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THINK Together’s Social Media Channels & Web 2.0

A primer on Web 2.0 and THINK Together’s social media channels.   Open publication – Free publishing – More youtube THINK Together on: Facebook Twitter YouTube SchoolTube Flickr LinkedIn SHARE

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SHARE

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At LA Kings NHL Hockey: University of Phoenix Supports THINK Together

During a break at last wednesday’s Los Angeles Kings game versus San Jose Sharks, University of Phoenix (UPOX) representatives took the ice and presented THINK Together with a check to support STEM curriculum available to 15,000 THINK Together students at 44 schools across Southern California. Front: THINK Together students Jonathan

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At LA Kings NHL Hockey: University of Phoenix Supports THINK Together

During a break at last wednesday’s Los Angeles Kings game versus San Jose Sharks, University of Phoenix (UPOX) representatives took the ice and presented THINK Together with a check to support STEM curriculum available to 15,000 THINK Together students at 44 schools across Southern California. Front: THINK Together students Jonathan

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THINK Together, Americorps and the City of El Monte Partner on 2011 LA County Homeless Count

A THINK Together team, including site coordinators (SCs), program leaders (PLs), school site volunteers and AmeriCorps members, came together on January 25th, to aide the City of El Monte’s participation in the 2011 LA County Homeless Count. From left to right: SC Hector Martinez; El Monte Volunteer; PL/AmeriCorps Dasy Valdez; PL/AmeriCorps Kary Guzman; PL/AmeriCorps

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THINK Together, Americorps and the City of El Monte Partner on 2011 LA County Homeless Count

A THINK Together team, including site coordinators (SCs), program leaders (PLs), school site volunteers and AmeriCorps members, came together on January 25th, to aide the City of El Monte’s participation in the 2011 LA County Homeless Count. From left to right: SC Hector Martinez; El Monte Volunteer; PL/AmeriCorps Dasy Valdez; PL/AmeriCorps Kary Guzman; PL/AmeriCorps

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