Think Together's Volunteer Event Enhances Summer Learning for Thousands

Think Together Hosts Hands-On Volunteer Event to Support Summer Learning

In an inspiring initiative, Think Together, a leading nonprofit organization in California, recently organized a volunteer event aimed at providing critical summer learning resources for children. The event was held at their headquarters in Santa Ana, where over 100 enthusiastic volunteers gathered despite unfavorable weather conditions. Their efforts culminated in the assembly of more than 1,500 curriculum kits, which are set to benefit approximately 28,000 students across the state.

The assembled kits included essential supplies for hands-on learning in various subjects, such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), physical education, and English language arts. By engaging in this volunteer event, participants contributed to a cause that resonates deeply within the community: combating the learning loss often experienced by students from under-resourced areas.

Research from the Northwest Evaluation Association highlights that students in these communities can lose up to three months of academic progress during the summer break compared to their peers from wealthier backgrounds. In response to this challenge, Think Together focuses on delivering high-quality summer learning experiences that not only maintain educational momentum but also enhance skills in math and reading and foster social-emotional development.

During the event, Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our volunteers and donors who helped create meaningful educational experiences for students this summer. This event not only provided an opportunity to directly impact students' summer learning, but it also reinforced the power of private and public partnership to help ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed."

The community support included donations and sponsorships, significantly contributing to the event's success. Prominent organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, Assistance League, and Deloitte were among those involved, showcasing a broad spectrum of corporate responsibility and community engagement.

Think Together's commitment to hands-on involvement extends beyond mere financial support. This year marks the second consecutive time that the organization has hosted a seasonal kit build. The interactive format allows donors and community members to engage directly with the mission, creating tangible impacts in real-time. Barth noted, "We've noticed that our donors and supporters want to do more than just write a check; they want to get involved with helping students directly. Between smaller donor activations at corporate offices to larger-scale events like this, we're giving them that opportunity to impact students in a meaningful way."

As summer approaches, Think Together is preparing to deliver enriching camp experiences to their partnered school districts. Scheduled to start in mid-May, these programs will include a variety of activities aimed at fostering teamwork, physical wellness, and academic growth over a duration of four to six weeks. Students will participate in engaging lessons, such as building parade floats, which they will later showcase to friends and family at a culmination event.

Last summer, Think Together successfully served students in 280 schools, and the latest volunteer event aims to build on this impressive momentum, ensuring even greater access to quality enrichment opportunities for young learners. Through its innovative programs encompassing early learning, afterschool initiatives, and school improvements, Think Together continues to change the odds for hundreds of thousands of students across California every year. For additional information about their programs or to get involved, interested parties can visit www.thinktogether.org or call (888) 485-THINK.