California's Think Together Awards 2026: Scholarships for Future Leaders

Think Together Awards 2026: Embracing Future Leaders

Think Together, California's largest nonprofit dedicated to expanded learning, is thrilled to announce the recipients of its annual Beyond Think Together Scholarships. This year, ten deserving high school seniors from diverse backgrounds across the state each received a scholarship of $3,000. The award aims to support these talented individuals in their journey toward higher education.

Honoring Achievements and Resilience

The students awarded this prestigious scholarship were selected based on their outstanding commitment to their education, resilience in overcoming challenges, and active participation in Think Together's enriching high school programs. From Discovery Charter Preparatory School in Sylmar to schools in Basset Unified and Hemet Unified Districts, these scholarship winners exemplify growth and determination.

Samuel Hernandez, one of the recipients, announced his plans to attend LA Mission College this fall, showcasing the promise that these scholarships aim to ignite.

Founding CEO Randy Barth noted, "It is incredibly rewarding to witness these students transform into confident leaders while they chart their paths toward future achievements. Recognizing their successes is truly a highlight of our work here at Think Together."

In the past year alone, Think Together served over 9,000 high school students through its various programs across 32 school sites in California. From driver education to financial literacy classes and the Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), students not only enhance their academic knowledge but also develop essential life skills and hands-on experiences designed to prepare them for future endeavors.

Building a Pathway to Success

Sean Magana, an Older Youth Program Specialist at Think Together, articulated the organization's mission: "Every day, we empower students to find their passions and develop a clear direction for their futures through our high school programs. The Beyond Think Together Scholarship is one of the ways we celebrate their journey and recognize the remarkable growth we've witnessed in our students."

To amplify opportunities for its students, Think Together collaborates with corporate foundations. Partnerships with entities like Boeing enrich students through STEM learning initiatives, while collaborations with Southwest Airlines provide award opportunities for college visits. Additionally, they offer Career Technical Education pathways in conjunction with the K12 Foothill Consortium and driver education courses with State Farm. These partnerships not only facilitate educational enrichment but also help students build vital skills as they explore their interests.

According to recent statistics from Think Together, an impressive 94% of high school participants report increased awareness of diverse career options, while 95% feel a crucial sense of belonging within their program communities. These outcomes underscore the organization’s continued commitment to fostering educational opportunities for all students.

About Think Together

For over 25 years, Think Together has endeavored to expand educational opportunities and excellence for all children. As a division of Think Education, the organization innovates and implements academic solutions that have positively impacted hundreds of thousands of students throughout California each year. Their program focus spans early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for educators.

For further information or to learn more about how to support Think Together's mission, interested individuals can visit Think Together or connect via LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for countless students and their communities.