think Magazine Fall 2017

think M A G A Z I N E

F A L L

2 0 1 7

CHANG E RE AC TION THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF E D U C AT I O N I N N O VAT I O N

think M A G A Z I N E

F A L L

A LE T TE R FRO M TH E C H I EF EN GAG EM ENT O FFIC ER

2 0 1 7

THINK TOGETHER PARTNERS WITH SCHOOLS TO CHANGE THE ODDS FOR KIDS.

Friends, I am not trying to brag, but I have the best job. Think Together is a world filled with inspiring people. Every day, I get to work with staff, leaders and friends who care about kids and education, and

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Darrel Anderson Doug Antone Leona Aronoff-Sadacca Randy Barth Steve Bilt Eric Boden Celeste Cantú Mary Lynn Coffee Kendra Doyel Glenn Howard Fran Inman John Lee Paolo Leon

continuously amaze me with their generosity toward our mission.

Juan Lopez Sangeeth Peruri Marti Remmell Steven Robertson Ken Salgado Bernie Salvatore Earl Slee Bill Tamblyn Dawn Trautman Julie Vennewitz-Pierce Jeffrey Wahba Dan Young

BAY AREA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tammy Gaw Jennifer Pitzen Marti Remmell Steven Robertson

John Southwell Bill Tamblyn Martin Ucovich Julie Vennewitz-Pierce

Whether you have been with us for the past 20 years, or you are a brand-new friend, this magazine is for you.

Over the past 20 years, your incredible support has taken us from one afterschool program in a rented apartment in Westside Costa Mesa, to partnering with over 500 schools and serving over 150,000 kids EACH YEAR across California. We want to show you the direct impact you are making in so many lives.

You may notice that we have given ourselves a bit of a makeover!

Our iconic lightbulb has a new look, and we love that the colors represent who we have become after 20 years of service: inspiring, innovative, and professional. I invite you to check out our new website thinktogether.org.

This inaugural issue of think magazine celebrates the future and

EXECUTIVE TEAM

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Randy Barth Tia Dwyer Mike Frobenius Marty Holtzman Tracy Carmichael Maria Reichel Steve Amick

Tommy Brewer II Irene Bobadilla Joshua Felix Natalia Flores Yvonne Paul Fernando Reyes

the innovative ways we are preparing today’s kids to own it. This includes an increased focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, much of which is made possible by corporation and foundation partners.

As you flip through the subsequent pages, you will meet some inspiring individuals and see a world on the brink of exciting change.

We have witnessed many kids beat the odds, but our work is not done.

EDITOR Sarah Jay ART DIRECTOR Candice Co

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Cassi Ellis Jennifer Matsuda Matthew Nixon

The time has come to change the odds.

Together, we can build a community where all kids have the chance to succeed.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Andre Niesing

In this together,

TRACY L. CARMICHAEL, PhD Chief Engagement Officer

Published by Think Together, 2101 E Fourth St Ste 200B, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Please direct inquiries to 714.543.3807 or development@thinktogether.org.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

13

16

FEATURES

17

23

BEHIND THE SCENES

CAUSING A CHANGE REACTION................................... 9 Beating the Odds to Changing the Odds

By Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together

FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK....................................... 14 Little Lake teacher Monica Johnson talks about what she’s learned about changing the odds for her students.

BLAZING THE COLLEGE TRAIL FOR LATINAS..... 20 Think Together staff Gloria Alday shares her experience in pursuing higher education as a Latina.

POWER OF SHOWING UP...............................................22 Volunteer Cody Allen gives his time to Think students to ensure they have the right role model to encourage them to reach their fullest potential.

Q&A: KAISER PERMANENTE.........................................26 Chief Engagement Officer Tracy Carmichael sits down with Steve Wahl who was eager to share his passion for giving back to the community.

SECTIONS In Think News......................................................................... 2 Parents Speak Up. ................................................................15 Alumni Notes........................................................................ 19 Shout Outs.............................................................................25 Think Social...........................................................................28

“It didn’t work at first, but then it did and it smelled so good!!!”

- Joseph on the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

NOVEMBER 28, 2017

SUPPORT

1 STUDENT 1 DAY

WITH A GIFT OF

$2.50

#GivingTuesday is a global giving day now in its sixth year. Join Think Together and millions of people around the world in giving back during this one-day international campaign.

#1STU DENT 1 DAY

thinktogether.org/givingtuesday

CURRENTLY SEEKING SPONSORSHIPS ecstem.org

I N

T H I N K

N E W S

Stacy Galdamez at NAA National Convention in Dallas

THINK STAFFER RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY AS AFTERSCHOOL LEADER

Stacy Galdamez, a Think Together Director of Program and Operations in LA County, was named a 2017 Next Generation of Afterschool Leader by the National Afterschool Association (NAA). NAA highlights emerging professionals who are active Think Together staff at the OC Fair Book Drive. Think students attend the fair for free during the OC Fair Kids Club.

in the afterschool community – young leaders who possess passion, creativity, commitment to youth, and who embrace professional development.

Stacy is a product of expanded learning programs. As a student, she attended afterschool programs provided by LA’s Best for six years and then volunteered with them through middle school and high school. Since earning a degree from CSU Fullerton in

76,134

criminal justice with a focus on vulnerable youth, she has made afterschool her world. She is the most authentic testament to

56,119

the impact these programs can have on individuals.

BOOKS DONATED IN THREE HOURS 2015

2016

2017

VICTORY IN SACRAMENTO Think Together is active in the afterschool

We Care Wednesday has become a community tradition at the

advocacy space alongside the California

OC Fair and Think’s Early Learning Program team members

Afterschool Advocacy Alliance. June 27 marked

were out in mass this year to collect new and gently used books

the culmination of years of hard work when

in exchange for fair tickets. Volunteers from Target, Starbucks,

Governor Brown signed a measure increasing

and JCPenney helped fill massive crates of books, collecting a

After School Education and Safety (ASES)

total of 94,087 in just three hours.

funding by $50 million annually.

Research shows that learning must begin early in order for

The stakes are high. The increased funding anticipates rising minimum

children to reach critical milestones that predict academic and

wages and insures the ability of afterschool providers to continue

career success. One of the ways Think’s Early Learning Program

providing high-quality programs. Without it, California would see a sharp

supports families with limited resources is by providing them

decline in programs available to communities with limited resources.

with a steady supply of grade appropriate reading material for young children. Nearly 75% of the books distributed throughout the year are collected at the OC Fair.

See you at the fair next summer!

Shout-outs go to Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino), who authored the bill requesting the budget augmentation; the Partnership for Children and Youth, who coordinated the field campaign in support of the proposal; and Think Together’s Director of Policy and Partnerships, Steve Amick, who worked tirelessly within the network to ensure the victory.

FALL 2017

2

I N

T H I N K

N E W S

THE TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION INVESTS IN NEXT GEN

Today’s students, tomorrow’s engineers.

Think Together program leaders at Burnett Middle School in San Jose were recently chosen to participate in The Tech’s Academies of Innovation. A collaboration between education and tech leaders, the Academies help expanded learning providers build STEM programs intended to nurture the next generation of Silicon Valley inventors in communities with limited resources. Thanks to this unique professional development opportunity, program leaders will be equipped to teach mechanical and software engineering curriculum to middle schoolers.

Get ready for seventh graders to know a lot more than most adults about SQL, SaaS, VR, and CAD.

CHANGE IS HAPPENING IN SAN JOSE

The City of San Jose has a vision. They know the promise of economic opportunity begins with their children, only 38% of whom are graduating high school with the minimum entrance requirements for a public state university. The SJ Learns Initiative was launched in 2015 under the leadership of Mayor Sam Liccardo to provide additional learning support for kindergarten through third grade students. Think Together joined the initiative that same year.

The program is working toward the critical third-grade threshold: children who read at grade level and are proficient in math by the end of the third grade demonstrate greater likelihood of high school graduation and college attainment.

From Left: Mayor Sam Liccardo, Bay Area Board of Directors Chair, Marti Remmell, and Randy Barth celebrate San Jose Learns’ success.

“Think Together has been a great partner for the City of San Jose,” says Mayor Liccardo. “They are innovative, responsive and data-driven, with the ability to scale best practices both

“THINK TOGETHER HAS BEEN A GREAT PARTNER FOR THE CITY OF SAN JOSE. THEY ARE INNOVATIVE, RESPONSIVE AND DATA-DRIVEN, WITH THE ABILITY TO SCALE BEST PRACTICES BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL DAY.” - Mayor Sam Liccardo on Think Together

3

think magazine

inside and outside the school day.”

Students showed statistically significant growth in grade level proficiency at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. They’re off to a great start.

I N

T H I N K

N E W S

COLLEGE DAYS BEGIN FOR FACES OF THE FUTURE

Reyna Gonzalez Jimenez and Javier Martin stopped for a chat during their freshman orientation at UC Irvine. “I’m looking forward to assimilating myself into this new culture,” Javier told us.

“I want to get to know more people and start networking.” Reyna’s mind was also on making new connections, as well as getting used to bigger classes and the college workload. “We will both be dorming,” she says with a tentative smile. Although not far from home, both students are bravely stepping into a new world.

These Think Together alums received the Face of the Future award this past year. Reyna is studying biology with the goal of completing medical school and serving as a doctor in low-income communities. Javier is a chemical engineering major who plans to work in the alternative energy industry. Both have been matched with Think Together mentors who will help them navigate UCI’s campus and the demands of college life. Cheers to these new Anteaters!

Top Photo: Tracy Carmichael, Josh Felix, regional leader of Bay Area programs, and Randy Barth celebrate with Think student. Bottom: Mayor Liccardo delivers keynote.

BREAKFAST IN THE BAY CELEBRATES 20TH Bay Area leaders had double the reasons to celebrate educational transformation at Think Together’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in Silicon Valley in March.

The breakfast celebration recognized 20 years of afterschool excellence that began in 1997 with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s After-School All-Stars and has been continued by Think Together’s programs.

The event honored San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo for his visionary leadership in expanding educational opportunities for youth from low-income families.

Sponsors and guests raised $25,000 for Think’s Bay Area programs, with a presenting sponsorship from HP Inc. Reyna Gonzalez Jimenez and Javier Martin are all smiles during their orientation at UCI.

FALL 2017

4

I N

T H I N K

N E W S

From Top Left: Sponsors Jon and Kathryn Allen light up the lightbulb; Ralphs sponsor Kendra Doyel with husband John; Medtronic sponsor Earl Slee with wife Elisa; Alum Paolo Leon inspires guests with his stories; event guests raise their bid numbers; Phil Perez, retired superintendent of Little Lake City School District, receiving Champion of Change award; Khary Espy, co-chair of Friends of Shalimar, with wife Andrea.

THINK TURNS

TWENTY

In April, friends and supporters gathered at UC Irvine to raise

transformation in partnership with Think Together and Principal’s

a glass to celebrate Think Together’s first 20 years and raise

Exchange. “There is tremendous synergy between the school day

support to keep it going strong for the next 20 and beyond.

and the afterschool program,” said Perez, this year’s Champion

Paolo Leon, a Think Together alum and current Board member, inspired guests as he spoke about the ways Think supported him.

An Associate at MVE + Partners, a prominent architectural firm in

priorities of advancing student learning. It evolved into something very powerful.”

Orange County, he spoke about the change he’s seen happen in

The night celebrated the past and looked forward to continued

his neighborhood because of Think: “College is on the minds of

change and transformation in California public education.

these kids and their parents. That certainly wasn’t the case when I

And it launched Think’s annual event, sure to become a much-

was there. The narrative is changing.”

anticipated spring tradition in which guests get a front row seat to

Sponsors and guests stepped up to fund that narrative, raising $375,000 at the 20th Anniversary Celebration. Presenting Sponsors included Ralphs/Food 4 Less, Medtronic, Leona Aronoff-Sadacca, and Eric & Connie Boden.

Phil Perez, retired superintendent of Little Lake City School District, was honored for his incredible leadership of school 5

of Change awardee. “We were on the same page in terms of our

think magazine

the student experience.

$375,000

RAISED

A N N U A L

E V E N T

2 0 1 8

LINE UP WITH STUDENTS. RAISE A HAND FOR CHANGE.

WIN TWO TICKETS TO RAISE A HAND 2018!* ENTER BY SIGNING UP FOR THINK’S ENEWS

thinktogether.org/insider * VA L I D U N T I L O CTO B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 7

7

think magazine

THINK STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN A ZANY SCIENCE EXPERIMENT. WOAH, ELEPHANT TOOTHPASTE! FALL 2017

8

CHANGE REACTION C A U S I N G

A

B E AT I N G T H E O D D S T O C H A N G I N G T H E O D D S

BY RAN DY BARTH , FOU N DER & C EO

THE EVOLUTION OF THINK TOGETHER IS ALWAYS A STORY WORTH TELLING.

BUT I AM GOING TO LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET. WHEN I STARTED THIS JOURNEY, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING. 9

think magazine

It started the day I met Paty Madueno.

She was one of several mothers in Costa Mesa’s Shalimar neighborhood fed up with the gangs that ran the streets, the sex traffickers who destroyed dreams, and the drugs that robbed lives. They were determined that their families and their community would not fall victim to these predatory factors. They vowed to take back their streets and reached out to community leaders for help.

As they say, the rest is history.

I was determined to replicate the “Shalimar seed”. I knew that my business career was taking a hard left turn away from the corner office with an ocean view. I was eager to start paving a new path. Think Together was founded as a nonprofit in 1997, and by 2003, our privately funded, small-but-mighty program established a dozen learning centers in Orange County. That should be enough to make anyone proud, let alone a stockbroker who didn’t know the first thing about educational programs.

SO WHY COULDN’T I SLEEP AT NIGHT? I was familiar with the demographic landscape of our state, and I knew that there were countless other kids growing up in Shalimar-type neighborhoods.

They were facing the same odds, and we should be doing all that we can to support them. I wanted to expand

Paty Madueno and the Shalimar moms.

“What can we do?” I asked her. “What is going to make the difference?”

Zoom out to the larger California political landscape and land in 2003, a year worthy of media frenzy. Governor Gray Davis had just been recalled. Arnold

get out,’” Paty urged. “Things are

Schwarzenegger was gunning for the

going to change.”

governor’s seat in the special election.

Prior to his election, Schwarzenegger led the charge to pass Prop 49 authorizing funding for afterschool programs as part

We set out to build programming that supported those milestones.

I started this adventure asking, “how do

I help more kids beat the odds?”

From one neighborhood program that set out to get kids off the street, we were now a statewide platform of support for kids at all stages. I continued to watch student after student beat the odds, yet I became increasingly frustrated that those odds exist in the first place.

C A P R O P 49 PA S S E S

2003

S C H WA R Z E N EG G E R BECOMES GOVERNOR

2006-2007

PROP 49 FUNDING B E C O M E S AVA I L A B L E

THINK TOGETHER EXPANDS

read that right: the Terminator became our biggest ally in expanding programs for underserved communities!

With the passage of Prop 49, we took a

and volunteers, set up a learning center.

$30 million dollar bet and thankfully, the

it right.

predict the later success of students.

of his platform for education reform. You

apartments and with the help of mothers

100 kids showed up! Their mothers got

milestones in school that can statistically

get my hands on to educate myself

need to open the door. You need to

On the first day of programming, over

quickly there were certain academic

policy briefs, basically anything I could

“I always say to everybody, ‘You

With the city’s blessing, we rented two

the communities we serve. We learned

2002

I devoured research articles, editorials,

questions. I was determined.

fund the Shalimar community project.

districts, schools, and families within

these odds?”

They believed if their kids embraced

our wealthier friends and clients to

responding to the unique needs of our

scale up the great work we were doing.

picked their brains, and asked a million

I called upon the church and approached

this day, one of Think’s distinctives is

me. I was constantly strategizing how to

with people in the educational field,

Newport Beach (a mere two miles away).

our school partners were saying. To

asking myself “how do we change

would give them a real shot at the future.

at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in

grew, the more we listened to what

After 20 years of work, I am now

for their kids to grow and learn that

At the time, I was serving as an elder

of afterschool programs. The more we

possible. That was the entrepreneur in

on the issues. I surrounded myself

neighborhood from the inside out.

became California’s largest provider

our programming to as many kids as

An afterschool program. A safe place

opportunities, it would change the

In what felt like a split second, we

kids won.

NOW THERE WASN’T TIME TO SLEEP.

DAY S

SITES

1 COUNTY

NEW EMPLOYEES 4 COUNTIES

FALL 2017

10

My wife Mary and I would discuss the challenges on long walks after work. I knew we were making an impact but I couldn’t figure out how to validate what I instinctually knew so we could build a model for sustainable change. Mary finally looked at me one day and said, “Get someone in here already to turn your theory into proof!” I make it a point to never disagree with Mary when she’s right (which is always) so I reached out to UC Irvine for research recommendations.

Enter another inspired woman!

Dr. Tracy Carmichael came on board to prove the case. Through a unique partnership with UC Irvine, Think Together funded a fellowship for Tracy to study our programming. Within the first year of her research, she stumbled on a case study in one of our LA County districts where Think students were consistently outperforming non-Think students. We spent hours discussing what could be driving this achievement. It became a cycle of inquiry: I would hypothesize, and she would crunch the numbers. I could always tell by her face when she walked into my office: a smile meant she was on to something and a furrowed brow meant that she likely had another all-night data exploration ahead of her. We were relentless in our pursuit. I wanted to know what was causing the success, because whatever it was, all our kids across the state needed it!

“

Think Chief Engagement Officer Tracy Carmichael with Principal’s Exchange Founder Robin Avelar La Salle at Think’s 20 th Anniversary Celebration.

After months of pouring over the data, Tracy decided to take a qualitative approach and she visited the schools. She interviewed principals, teachers and Think staff. Before we knew it, we had our answer.

EDUCATORS ARE WORKING SO HARD, YET HUNDREDS OF DISTRICTS AND THOUSANDS OF SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH LOW ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS. TRUE TRANSFORMATION

“

11

Time for another character to be introduced in our story: meet Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle.

And trust me, she changed the story.

Robin’s consulting firm, Principal’s Exchange, was the common denominator in those LA success stories. Her team of former school administrators and teachers go into schools and empower educators to redesign their entire system. Throughout each

COMES WITH EQUITY-FOCUSED AND

partnership, they provide on-the-ground

DATA-DRIVEN SYSTEMIC CHANGE.

feedback loops to help districts and schools

- Robin Avelar La Salle

to optimize student progress. Sounds

think magazine

support, continuous learning cycles, and realign their strategies using data analytics complicated, right? The real impact is their approach has been proven to accelerate

learning for all kids, regardless of race, income or primary language. The numbers spoke for themselves.

Lightbulb moment! Think Together supported kids alongside the public education system; Principal’s Exchange championed kids by working inside the public education system. Unbeknownst to either of us, we had been working together for the last 20 years toward the same outcome: equity and excellence

THE EQUITY GAP 6 MILLION KIDS IN CALIFORNIA

for all kids.

Robin and I became fast friends. We were kindred in our belief that all children deserve the premium education that only some children receive today.

Within a year of first meeting, we joined forces and officially merged Principal’s Exchange under Think Together’s umbrella of services. Robin always tells me, “Systems are perfectly designed to get the results they’re getting.” If we never change the system, why should we expect anything different in the results?

What Robin taught us is that the “achievement gap” is actually an equity gap. California’s six million kids are the future of our economy. And over half of them have a statistically greater chance of falling through the cracks of our educational system based solely on what they were born into. It’s time to change these odds. Principal’s Exchange has the approach and proof to catalyze the change, and Think Together

3.6 MILLION B L AC K + L ATI N O

B L AC K + L ATI N O KI D S

OUT OF 10 W I L L AT T E N D A FAI LI N G SCHOOL

has the infrastructure to scale the reaction.

It is my pledge to continue working until we have become the agents of change in every failing school — until we have closed the equity gap.

Together we’re forging ahead in our mission to accelerate a change reaction.

WHITE + ASIAN KIDS

OUT OF 10 W I L L AT T E N D A FAI LI N G SCHOOL

MAYBE I’LL SLEEP WHEN I RETIRE.

FALL 2017

12

B E T TER

r e h t e g o t

T H E P OW E R O F S C H O O L PA RT N E R S H I P S Leap inside the mind of a school superintendent. Slip

their educational expertise to the table. With Think,

past the passion, mixed with exhaustion, and you’ll find

there are more possibilities and we get higher quality

a map of their district sprawled before you, with schools

programs than we would be able to do by ourselves.”

rising up from it like a pop-up book. You’ll notice that each school is a different color and shape, as unique as the student populations that fill them.

have their backs. “Our shared work impacts the kids’ perspectives,” says Yvonne Paul, General Manager of

Dr. Martinrex Kedziora’s map consists of 33 schools

Think programs in Riverside County. “Their response

and he knows it like the back of his hand. Welcome

to positive influences and voices who champion their

to Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) in

potential is extraordinary. It affirms for them that their

Riverside County where 21% of students are limited

futures matter.”

in their ability to speak English and more than 57 different languages are spoken among the student population.

What does that future look like? Ask Dr. Kedziora and he immediately starts ideating: “coding, apps, engineering, robotics, virtual reality,…did I mention coding?” His

Diversity demands customizable solutions. What’s

response speaks volumes to the need for 21st century

important for one district isn’t necessarily a priority for

competencies, specifically in the STEM fields. Think’s

others. For example, MVUSD identified a specific need

middle school programs include a robust STEM

for increased math skills for underperforming students

curriculum – this year, students will be designing and

across the district and Think came alongside that need

building roller coasters out of craft supplies; competing

with the right solutions.

in and evaluating a formal video gaming tournament;

MVUSD is in its seventh year as a Think Together school partner and is “all in”. Ranging from afterschool to summer learning programs to intervention services and

and taking on the role of crime scene investigators by examining clues, analyzing evidence and interpreting data to identify the suspect. And so much more.

sports leagues, Think is in residence at all 23 elementary

The partnership is working. MVUSD has had a 22%

schools and six middle schools in the district.

improvement in its HS graduation rate over the past six

“You can’t cut your own hair,” Dr. Kedziora remarks with a smirk. “The partnership allows both parties to bring

13

6,500 students know that both MVUSD and Think

think magazine

years — the highest growth in Riverside County. And with the combined creativity and passion of MVUSD and Think Together, it has nowhere to go but up!

F R O M

T H E

TEACHER’S DESK MONICA JOHNSON KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO ACCELERATE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. WITH 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, MONICA HAS BEEN A TEACHER, PRINCIPAL, AND NOW, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN LITTLE LAKE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. FOREVER A TEACHER AT HEART, WE ASKED HER WHAT SHE’S LEARNED ABOUT CHANGING THE ODDS FOR STUDENTS IN LITTLE LAKE.

CAN YOU GIVE US SOME CONTEXT ABOUT

needs of different groups of students became magnified

WHAT LITTLE LAKE FACED IN THE AREA OF

and we were able to start identifying how to address

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT?

those as a team. It was the first time we were able to

Monica: Back in the 2000s, many of our sites were deemed as the schools in greatest need based on state test scores. At that time, I was a teacher at Jersey

ask ourselves, “What can we do differently?” It’s not the kids’ fault. We needed to deliver instruction in a different manner to get different results.

Elementary and as leaders, we recognized we needed

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE TO COME OUT

deep systematic change.

OF THIS PARTNERSHIP?

WHERE DID YOU EVEN START?

Monica: The consistent cycle of data reflection is

Monica: The first step we had to take as educators was to build trust in each other knowing that we can’t teach in silos anymore. We had to adopt the mindset that all students belong to all of us. If you can’t trust who is working beside you, you can’t work together.

HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED WITH PRINCIPAL’S EXCHANGE, THINK TOGETHER’S AFFILIATE? Monica: We agreed to go through some pretty intense training to change our practices and Principal’s Exchange became a partner to help us do that. We began looking at our data, and it was hard. We had very low percentages of students scoring in the proficient or advanced ranges, and that hurt because we care.

Principal’s Exchange helped us dive in, acknowledge our strengths and build from there. As we went along, the

something we do systematically now as a district. Each school has weekly grade-level meetings for our teachers, and only one thing is on the agenda: review student progress. We learned early on that it’s important to include the Think Together afterschool program staff in those meetings so they are also a part of the solution.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER DISTRICTS WHO ARE STRIVING TO CHANGE THEIR SYSTEMS? Monica: I think educators need to be open to change, as far as your practices. I mean, obviously, if you’re a district in need, something you’re doing isn’t cutting it. So being very open to new partnerships that bring a different perspective is important. It is not a personal judgement on anybody; it’s about doing what is best for the kids. It can feel really heavy because change is hard, and you are taking a big risk. But we have the chance to work together to affect real and sustainable change. #changingtheodds

FALL 2017

14

“speak PA R E N T S

up ”

“They have gone above and beyond to make my son feel welcome. The program has brought up his morale and self-esteem.

It has also made him better in his reading, math, and attitude toward his peers.”

“

B AY A R E A

When my daughter first started going to Think Together, she was struggling with reading. But thanks to the program, she is at the reading

”

level she needs to be at and LOVES books.

“I am not able to afford other programs as a single parent. I truly value Think Together. I never worry about my students’ safety. Think Together treats our kids amazing and they

“I have 5 girls who have

always include the parents – they want our

all been through the

input. Best program my children have been in!”

Think Together program.

One is at UCLA. The other is going to UC Riverside.

Awesome program.”

“

LOS ANGELES

The program is helpful in getting my children to complete homework daily. The program leader communicates with my son’s regular teacher and informs me of any areas he’s struggling in.

”

I truly appreciate her involvement in promoting my son’s education.

15

think magazine

SAN BERNARDINO

ORANGE COUNTY

RIVERSIDE

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF

Mirabela “I hear UCLA is the university to attend because of their reputable sports medicine program.” This from a fifth grader in LA County named Mirabela. Doesn’t that just give you a big dose of hope for the future?! Mirabela has been in Think Together’s programs for three years and she has big dreams. She would like to be a physician focused in sports medicine. And we know it’s possible.

When asked what her favorite part of Think Together is, she talked about team building lessons. “They help us open up and get to know our classmates and find common interests.” One of her favorites last year was BINGO. Students fill out a BINGO card with their favorite sports and colors, the number of siblings they have, and so forth.

Then everyone mingles, looking for common answers and getting students’ signature on that space when they find one. What looks like chaos in the classroom is stimulating communication, helping students connect with one another.

“We work hard to deliver great curriculum that builds on what the students learn during the school day,” affirmed Tommy Brewer, General Manager of Think’s Southeast Los Angeles region. “And we make sure kids are having fun while they learn. It’s the promise we make to our district partners, our students and their families — and we intend to keep that promise.”

A natural-born leader, Mirabela served as Think Together Student President last year at the encouragement of her program leader, Miss Tiffany. Leadership development is promoted alongside academic achievement, healthy living and social-emotional learning. But beyond curriculum, program leaders become trusted adults in students’ lives, often helping them cope with sadness and frustration.

Mirabela recently lost her grandmother and was coping with emotions she’d never experienced before. Her father, who she is really close with, took the loss of his mother really hard. Mirabela could see her father’s pain through his tough exterior. “I was sad knowing my dad could not really show his feelings; he was trying to stay strong for me and my family.” She talked through her feelings with Miss Tiffany who created a safe space for her to process and grieve.

“THEY HELP US OPEN UP AND GET TO KNOW OUR CLASSMATES AND FIND COMMON INTERESTS.”

Mirabela started middle school this fall and Think Together made the transition with her. Mirabela doesn’t know it yet but she’s in for some thrilling team building lessons this year.

She and her classmates will be testing their survival skills in a fun adventure through a zombie apocalypse. If you think that sounds a little out in left field, consider that the students will learn how to build a battery, design a water filtration system,

and improvise communication systems. The culminating event is an obstacle course where they use their knowledge at various “survival” stations. This is sure to develop Mirabela’s leadership talents along with her problem-solving skills.

We’re with you every step of the way, Mirabela, as you grow smart and strong!

FALL 2017

16

S AT R A E Y O W T OUR FIRST

D R A V HAR

“THINK SHAPED WHO I AM TODAY AND WHY I’M DOING THE WORK I DO.” - AILEEN NAVARRETE

17

think magazine

life she shared freshman year with

custodian study for the citizenship exam

roommates from China, London, and Sri

and fill out citizenship documents. “I

Lanka. They bonded over a shared love of

believe that citizenship is a privilege I was

boba shops in Boston.

born with, and a right that many people in

Their transition into Harvard life was marked by both empowerment and an outsider-made-insider mentality. “My biggest challenge was answering the question, ‘Why am I here?’” Jose mused. “’Why and how did I, out of so many

this country deserve access to.”

“I’m cognizant of my privilege in attending Harvard and I want to use that position to advocate for people.”

applicants, garner a Harvard acceptance

Randy Barth with alums Jose Avonce and Aileen Navarrete at a Harvard event.

Meet Aileen Navarrete. Aileen participated in Think’s programs in Santa

letter?’ But then I remember walking

Aileen just completed her second summer

through Harvard Yard, Starbucks coffee

working with the Summer Urban Program

in hand, in this place imprinted by the

(SUP), a network of camps across Boston

footsteps of giants, with this innate

and Cambridge. Last year, Aileen joined

feeling of belonging.”

SUP’s program staff and this year she directed a site, overseeing a staff of

Ana and graduated from Century High

We asked Aileen what she knows now

School. She is studying History and

about 20. When we interviewed her,

that she didn’t two years ago. “It’s okay

Science on a pre-med track. “Med school

she’d just returned from a rainy three-day

to fail,” she reflected. There were times

is in my sights,” Aileen stated with all the

camping trip. “It’s a great experience to

she felt like she was falling behind and

confidence of a future pediatrician.

get students out of the city and expose

recognized that her fellow students had

them to new experiences. We bonded!”

access to different resources. “I reached

She naturally sees the parallels in her

out for help, to a peer counselor and a

experience as a Think student: “Think

tutor. I started going to office hours. I

shaped who I am today and why I’m doing

learned how to play the game – you don’t

the work I do.”

And meet Jose Avonce. Jose was involved at the Shalimar Teen Center while attending Newport Harbor High School. He’s chosen to pursue studies in the Romance Languages – he took

play it by yourself.”

Jose just returned from a summer

Portuguese for Spanish speakers his

Jose echoed this lesson. “I am thankful to

first semester and practiced speaking it

working with Conectas in São Paulo,

have spent several years at the Shalimar

with Harvard’s dining hall staff. His first

Brazil where he helped get Brazil to ratify

Learning Center surrounded by adults

venture into Italian came during a summer

the Arms Trade Treaty. This fall, he begins

who were always willing to help, where I

abroad studying in Venice.

a two-year Mellon-Mays Undergraduate

learned to interact with them and learned

Fellowship. The fellowship, which he was

it was okay to get help.”

awarded along with nine other Harvard

When she first arrived at Harvard,

students, pairs him with a faculty mentor,

Aileen was surprised by the diversity

Jose and Aileen are aware of the

of the student body. “In Santa Ana, all

communities they come from and

of my classmates were Latinx whereas

live near, and both demonstrate a

here, my peers come from a wide array

commitment to serving and creating

of backgrounds and have different

opportunities. Jose is a tutor with the

worldviews.” The general diversity of

What do they miss? “I don’t have access

Institute of Politics’ Citizenship Tutoring

campus was punctuated by the daily

to my mother and grandmother’s

Program – he is helping a Harvard

cooking,” Jose admits wistfully.

graduate student mentors and a peer community as he completes research on Chinese immigrant experiences.

HARVARD HAS PROVIDED EXPERIENCES JOSE COULD ONLY DREAM OF. He recounts shaking hands with Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian advocate against child labor, and running into and chatting briefly with Mark Zuckerberg crossing campus one night. During his summer studying abroad, Jose got to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona which he’d dreamed of seeing since the age of eight.

FALL 2017

18

A L U M N I

N O T E S

NANCY VARGAS

GILBERTO CARDENAS

Nancy Vargas is currently working on

Gilberto Cardenas served in the US Army

her PhD in Public Health at Oregon State

before completing his Bachelor of Science

University after completing her Masters

in Computational and Applied Mathematics

in Public Health at CSU Fullerton. She

at UC Irvine. He has recently returned

was recently awarded the Diversity

to UCI for a Master’s program in Human

Advancement Pipeline Fellowship. She is

Computer Interaction and Design. He is on

a self-proclaimed vegan foodie.

staff at Orange Coast College and works as a freelance photographer.

JAVIER DIAZ

MONICA GALLARDO

Javier Diaz served in the US Marine Corps

Monica Gallardo is currently a Human

before completing his Bachelor of Arts in

Resources Analyst at New American

Sociology at CSU Fullerton followed by a

Funding. She earned her Bachelor of

Masters in Education at Loyola Marymount

Science in Business Administration at

University. He recently took a teaching

the University of La Verne. Following

position at McFadden Intermediate in Santa

graduation, Monica volunteered as a tutor

Ana after serving as a Community Liaison

and HR intern with Think Together before

in Laguna Beach Unified School District.

starting with New American.

Javier and his wife Cecilia have a daughter.

AUREA MARTINEZ VELASCO

EVER ARIAS

Aurea Martinez Velasco lives in Washington,

student at Loyola University of Chicago’s

DC. She recently joined Revolution Messaging

Stritch School of Medicine. He earned his

Consulting as Digital Project Liaison after

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at UC

completing three years with the American

Riverside. In his first year, Ever represented

Anthropological Association. She completed

Latinx students at a health care advocacy

her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Latin

event on Capitol Hill. Last year, he had the

American Studies at UC Santa Barbara.

chance to visit Mexico for the first time since

Aurea also co-produces a podcast for Latina

moving to the US at the age of seven.

entrepreneurs and techies called Comadrescode.

19

think magazine

Ever Arias is in his fourth year as a medical

I KNEW I WANTED TO GO TO COLLEGE, BUT IT WAS EASIER SAID THAN DONE FOR GIRLS LIKE ME.” Gloria Alday is Think Together’s Director of Programs and Operations for Orange County. Like most of our extraordinary staff, she comes from the community she serves and is highly motivated to help other students like her pursue higher education.

Gloria’s passion for equity in education stems from her own life experience. Her parents immigrated from Mexico to the United States with the hope of a better future for their seven children. They firmly believed that the success of their children was tethered to their success in school and they worked tirelessly to support all seven kids in that effort. As the youngest, Gloria watched her older siblings grow up and make choices that affected their trajectory in life. “I needed no better example than the drastically different lifestyles of my two oldest brothers,” Gloria explains. “Ben, the oldest, dropped out his junior year of high school and works paycheck to paycheck as a machinist; while Cruz, the first to graduate from a university with a degree in Criminal Justice, was just hired as a sheriff’s deputy.”

When she graduated from Santa Ana High School in 2003, the OC Register ran a twopage article about her story, because she accomplished what few in the community attained. Gloria had not only been accepted to college, but she was going to Yale University!

“Studying and getting good grades was easier than what I had to battle at home,” she reflected. “Although my father was proud of my achievements, my choice to pursue higher education challenged his

BLAZING THE COLLEGE TRAIL FOR

s a n i t La

inner beliefs about what defines success for a woman.” Her choice of Yale meant she would be far away from her family and that starting her own family would be postponed. Gloria was challenging deep cultural expectations. Her mother and other siblings banded together to convince Gloria’s dad to let her attend Yale. “He never really said yes,” she remembers with a smile, “but he did stop saying no.”

Gloria thrived at Yale, graduating in four years and returning home to Santa Ana with loads of optimism. She is passionate about helping under-represented students access educational opportunities, and gently educating parents on the benefits of a college education for their kids. Gloria’s work with Think’s high school programs, college and career curriculum, and the College Mentoring program allows her to change the odds that were stacked against her not so long ago.

And she’s still blazing the trail. In addition to her full-time job at Think, she is currently completing her Master’s in Education at CSU Long Beach, where her focus is access and persistence of Latinas in Higher Education. This woman is about opening doors and leading others through them!

FALL 2017

20

AS A STAFF MEMBER, VOLUNTEER OR INTERN, YOU WILL HAVE DIRECT IMPACT ON IMPROVING THE OUTCOMES FOR THOUSANDS OF CALIFORNIA KIDS. THINK YOU COULD HELP US CHANGE THE ODDS?

BECOME AN

odds changer T H I N K T O G E T H E R . O R G /G E T I N V O LV E D

21

think magazine

the power of

showing up

Cody Allen takes the offered mic and steps onto the stage, the

and counselors who believed in him. He felt destined for failure,

last speaker at Chaffey College’s Symposium Living in a Post Truth

but due to a few strong role models in high school, his

Society. He presents “Tails”, a creative fiction piece about the cycle

attitude started to shift. When he first got involved as a Think

of abuse. As the audience applauds, his final words hanging in the

volunteer, he didn’t know what he brought to the table. “I never

air, he’s off the stage and walking briskly toward the back door. He

thought of myself as a good role model so I stuck to the places

doesn’t want to be late to read books with James.

where I wouldn’t be seen as any kind of leader,” he reflects. But

Cody started volunteering at a Think Together elementary school program in San Bernardino County three years ago. “I saw how much consistency can impact these children,” Cody shared. “They began to trust that I would be there for them, and they opened up with their personal stories.”

that’s changed.

“Now I want to ensure that all students have active role models that encourage them to follow their passions and reach their full potential.”

Cody’s vision for strong role models is catching on in his circle of

Now you’ll find Cody at the school every Thursday afternoon,

friends. “I can’t wait to grow the community of volunteers that

reading with the kids and helping them with their homework. “I

work with this awesome organization,” Cody declares. “I want to

am always amazed at the kids’ ability to absorb information and

see a community that chooses to invest in one another regardless

problem-solve,” Cody gushes. When he sits down to read with

of differing backgrounds

James, Cody watches how he navigates new words and engages

or affiliations. Parents

with the story. He catches glimpses of James’ imagination as

are struggling to meet

expressions cross his face.

all the needs their

Imagination. Words. These are gold to Cody. A budding author, he is studying creative writing at Chaffey College and hopes to continue his studies at Stanford University. “I absolutely love learning! I wish I could be a student for the rest of my life…in many ways I think I will be.”

This coming from a guy who didn’t have a good experience with school growing up. He moved around a lot and didn’t have teachers

children have, and as we come alongside families, the cycle of poverty can end.”

It takes a village. A village of people who know the value and power of showing up.

Cody and students take a quick homework break to smile for the camera.

FALL 2017

22

INVESTING I N

KI DS

A THINK TOGETHER BOARD MEMBER SHARES HIS PERSONAL MOTIVATION TO INVEST

Education is powerful. All

can provide our kids the best chance at obtaining not just a

around the world, education

steady income, but the life of their dreams.”

is denied to certain populations to maintain class systems and power structures. But by and large, the American Dream is to give our children better than we received and education sits at the core of that value.

How we fund that education becomes the big question.

Think Together believes in making public education great and in providing expanded learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day. Both are deserving of public and private support. This belief is carried by each member of the Board of Directors. John Lee, Executive VP at PIMCO, joined the Board in 2015 with this vision already solidly developed.

John and his wife Joyce first met at UCLA. After receiving his BA in Business-Economics, John moved to Silicon Valley to work with a prestigious consulting management firm.

Around the same time, Joyce began a PhD program in Clinical Psychology at UC Berkeley and marriage followed soon after. John went on to receive his MBA from Harvard Business School. It’s no wonder they share a passion for great education with that combined school roster!

“As children of immigrants who came to the U.S. in search of a better life,” John reflects, “we both grew up focused on obtaining the best education we could as a way of giving ourselves the best opportunity to succeed. Now as the parents of two young children, we recognize that education

23

think magazine

Joyce’s training predisposes her to look for the uniqueness in individual students. “Each child has their own strengths and challenges, and are also part of a family and community system. A quality school system should identify their unique learning styles and highlight any barriers that might get in the way of their growth. We want to help grow confident learners who have a true love of learning.”

This is why John and Joyce support Think Together with both their time and financial resources. They trust the data-driven and customizable approach Think takes with each district, addressing student needs specific to that community.

PIMCO is to thank for matching John’s passion for education with Think Together’s Board of Directors. The PIMCO Foundation vets a wide range of nonprofits and has targeted Think for multi-year support because of its broad and consistent impact. As part of their support, they have a board placement program for executives – which is how John came to take his seat at Think. And that was a good day.

Working for PIMCO gives John the opportunity to work with some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and companies.

He’s passionate about leveraging private capacity to support the public sector. John believes Think Together is developing the next generation workforce that his clients and investors will employ. And hearing him make the case to his network is pure inspiration.

The dreams John and Joyce have for their kids are also the ones they have for students throughout California: “We hope our children live fulfilling lives and make a contribution to society in whatever way they are able. We want them to believe their dreams are attainable.”

“As children of immigrants who came to the U.S. in search of a better life, we both grew up focused on obtaining the best education we could as a way of giving ourselves the best opportunity to succeed. Now as the parents of two young children, we recognize that education can provide our kids the best chance at obtaining not just a steady income, but the life of their dreams.�

FALL 2017

24

THE EARLY BIRDS

THE CHANGE AGENTS

To AmeriCorps for providing the hands and hearts to start kids off right

THE INVENTORS

THE INVESTORS

To the PIMCO Foundation for empowering kids in OC to reach their full potential

To The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation for transforming LA communities through education

To Southern California

To Western Digital

Edison for lighting up

Foundation for

students’ imaginations with robotics programs in the Inland Empire

THE LEGENDS For sustaining our programs faithfully for a decade

THE FUTURISTS

educating tomorrow’s STEM workforce in Silicon Valley and beyond

THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK For joining the charge to change the odds

FOR A FULL LIST OF SUPPORTERS, VISIT THINKTOGETHER.ORG/SUPPORTERS

25

think magazine

Q & A

BY DR. TRACY L. CARMICHAEL THINK TOGETHER DEPENDS ON THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF PRIVATE CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS TO MAINTAIN OUR PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. SINCE 2012, KAISER PERMANENTE HAS PARTNERED WITH US TO FUND HEALTHY LIVING CURRICULUM WITHIN OUR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS. I recently sat down with Steve Wahl, Community Health and Benefit Manager for Kaiser’s South Bay region in Silicon Valley. When you first meet Steve, you know you’ve met an old soul. He’s laid back and possesses a genuine enthusiasm to bring people together to improve the community. As we dialogue back and forth, his comments are measured and thoughtful. But then you see him around kids, as I did during a recent program site visit, and he is playful. Steve has been with Kaiser for sixteen years and is eager to share his passion for the community.

TLC: WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK? SW: I am fortunate to represent Kaiser Permanente as we invest resources to help improve the health of our most

TLC: IF YOU COULD PROVIDE A SINGLE LEARNING TOOL

vulnerable and underserved. It’s truly a blessing to be

TO EVERY CLASSROOM IN CALIFORNIA, WHAT WOULD

connected to our communities and help them with grants.

IT BE?

TLC: KAISER PERMANENTE EXISTS TO PROVIDE HIGHQUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR MEMBERS AND

SW: The tool is simple: give every child a chance to be heard, a chance to express themselves, and support every child to help them actualize their dreams.

THE COMMUNITIES YOU SERVE. WHAT ARE SOME OF

TLC: IF YOU COULD INTRODUCE A STUDENT TO ANY ONE

THE WAYS YOUR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS INVEST IN

PERSON, ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

STUDENTS?

SW: I have been fortunate to have an incredible career,

SW: Children are certainly an important focus for Kaiser

allowing me to meet and work with many inspirational people.

Permanente’s Community Benefit work. Our youth are our

One of my most meaningful experiences was quality time

future and it’s important to help nourish each and every child

with cosmetics entrepreneur Mary Kay Ash (I am certainly

so they can achieve the potential they deserve.

dating myself here). Mary Kay was a self-made woman who

TLC: WHERE DO YOU SEE THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN WHAT YOU DO IN HEALTH CARE AND WHAT WE DO IN EDUCATION? SW: What Think Together does in education provides the bridge and hopefully fills future gaps in the health care workforce. Health care is not just doctors. Health care is

raised the bar and awareness for equal pay for women. A true American business giant, she was as genuine a person as you would ever meet and could very easily be anyone’s favorite grandmother. One of my favorite quotes: “Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.”

an amazing, well-oiled machine that has so many career

Thank you Steve and everyone at Kaiser Permanente for

opportunities one can’t even imagine. All the varied

turning the light on for students throughout California.

experiences that our young people have can definitely spark interest to help support the health care workforce pipeline and provide a rewarding career.

FALL 2017

26

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE A GREAT EDUCATION TO CALIFORNIA’S KIDS, OUR KIDS. We encourage you to join the circle of support we create around under-served families with a sustaining gift to Think Together. Your contribution directly funds expanded learning programs – you are #changingtheodds for Think students.

Visit thinktogether.org/sustainer to learn more about joining our story!

INNOVATION MADE POSSIBLE

BY CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION PARTNERS Think Together is constantly innovating and creating new curriculum to promote 21st Century skills, specifically in STEM fields. This school year, we are introducing coding instruction in a single region with hopes to expand it statewide in coming years. New initiatives require new funding and we need your help to get programming off the ground!

BECOME A CORPORATE OR FOUNDATION PARTNER and be recognized as an odds-changer in your community.

Think Together provides a robust package of recognition benefits and opportunities to be an active player in the Think story.

Contact the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations to learn more development@thinktogether.org or 714.543.3807 x8151

@thinktogether

thinktogether Newport Bay Plants// Our students are getting a hands-on demonstration on local plants and their unique habitats. Thank you Newport Bay Naturalists! #ThinkSummerThinkBig #summerignited #changingtheodds #summer #learningexperience

thinktogether After a short science demo our students explore the interactive exhibits @discoverycube. #ThinkSummerThinkBig#scienceinaction #summerignited#changingtheodds

thinktogether Our Workforce Readiness and Education Program (WREP) interns in action at Val Verde Elementary.

Our high school interns gain the skills to engage, teach and work with students while leading their own lesson or program!

thinktogether Think Together volunteers, Nirali Patel, Edison Thai and Penny Wilton were honored at OneOC’s Spirit of Volunteerism Awards for their outstanding service. Join us in congratulating our incredible volunteers! #SOV2017

thinktogether Today, Think Together is proud to open our first preschool program in Buena Park School District! Research shows that providing early childhood education leads to long-term success. #earlychildhoodeducation

thinktogether #Think Boss, Randy Barth with Tiffany Alva, Senior Director of Early Learning reading to our little friends at @pretendcity. You won’t believe this book’s plot twist! #thinkliteracy #thinkwhoateyoursandwich #readfortherecord @jumpstartkids

social T H I N K

FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS TO GET THE LATEST ON THINK TOGETHER. FALL 2017

28

2101 E Fourth Street, Suite 200B Santa Ana, CA, 92705 thinktogether.org

stories THINK

MEET OUR STUDENTS. BE INSPIRED.

thinktogether.org/stories