Think Together Honors Paramount Unified School District for 2026 Champion of Change Award
In a notable recognition of educational partnership and community impact, Think Together has awarded the Paramount Unified School District with its prestigious 2026 Champion of Change Award. The award ceremony took place during a board meeting on May 13, 2026, as well as a special Principal's Breakfast event held on May 20. This award underscores the collaborative efforts made by Think Together, California's largest nonprofit provider for expanded learning services, and Paramount Unified to enhance the educational experiences of students across the district.
With an impressive network serving 3,308 students across 15 school sites from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, the partnership between Think Together and Paramount Unified has been pivotal in transforming the learning landscape for students. Both organizations have synchronized their missions, focusing on equipping students with not just academic knowledge but also the passion to explore diverse subjects, thereby fostering holistic growth.
Think Together's founder and CEO, Randy Barth, emphasized the essence of their partnership, stating that it thrives on trust, established relationships, and a mutual commitment to elevating student potential. ‘This collaboration is about opening doors to limitless opportunities for the next generation,’ Barth remarked, highlighting how they are reshaping the future for these young learners.
A key aspect of this partnership has been the expansion of enrichment programs aimed at enhancing students' learning experiences beyond conventional classroom boundaries. Through dynamic initiatives and collaborations with various organizations, including the Orange County School of the Arts and Street Soccer USA, students from Paramount have engaged in creative and athletic pursuits. These programs encompass diverse activities such as ballet folklórico, mariachi performances, theater arts, and film production. Additionally, students participate in sports, fostering teamwork and physical health while developing critical thinking through STEM-based projects.
Eddie Garcia, the Executive Director at Think Together, further elaborated on the mission, emphasizing the critical role afterschool programs play in changing children’s educational outcomes. He noted that the partnership is not merely a standalone initiative but forms a comprehensive learning ecosystem that integrates enrichment, academic support, and emotional growth.
The district and Think Together together push the boundaries of what's available to students, with additional programs that operate before school hours and during non-instructional times. With an expanded schedule that runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., students benefit from a full day of extra learning opportunities. This approach allows families to access free and enriching educational programs, breaking down barriers that often hinder educational progress.
Superintendent of Paramount Unified School District, Dr. Joshua Lightle, praised the partnership's holistic approach, commenting that it aligns with the district’s priorities of academic quality and equity. ‘This integrated approach not only aims to elevate academic achievement but also nurtures social-emotional development, ensuring that no student is left behind,’ said Lightle.
Think Together, which has been a key player in California's educational landscape for over 25 years, has dedicated itself to providing equitable educational opportunities and fostering excellence in students across the state. As a division of Think Education, it innovatively addresses the diverse needs of students through early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for educators.
For those interested in learning more about Think Together and its impactful programs, further information can be found on their official website or through their various social media platforms. This recognition of Paramount Unified by Think Together serves as both a celebration of their achievements and a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping positive educational futures for the youth of California.
With an impressive network serving 3,308 students across 15 school sites from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, the partnership between Think Together and Paramount Unified has been pivotal in transforming the learning landscape for students. Both organizations have synchronized their missions, focusing on equipping students with not just academic knowledge but also the passion to explore diverse subjects, thereby fostering holistic growth.
Think Together's founder and CEO, Randy Barth, emphasized the essence of their partnership, stating that it thrives on trust, established relationships, and a mutual commitment to elevating student potential. ‘This collaboration is about opening doors to limitless opportunities for the next generation,’ Barth remarked, highlighting how they are reshaping the future for these young learners.
A key aspect of this partnership has been the expansion of enrichment programs aimed at enhancing students' learning experiences beyond conventional classroom boundaries. Through dynamic initiatives and collaborations with various organizations, including the Orange County School of the Arts and Street Soccer USA, students from Paramount have engaged in creative and athletic pursuits. These programs encompass diverse activities such as ballet folklórico, mariachi performances, theater arts, and film production. Additionally, students participate in sports, fostering teamwork and physical health while developing critical thinking through STEM-based projects.
Eddie Garcia, the Executive Director at Think Together, further elaborated on the mission, emphasizing the critical role afterschool programs play in changing children’s educational outcomes. He noted that the partnership is not merely a standalone initiative but forms a comprehensive learning ecosystem that integrates enrichment, academic support, and emotional growth.
The district and Think Together together push the boundaries of what's available to students, with additional programs that operate before school hours and during non-instructional times. With an expanded schedule that runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., students benefit from a full day of extra learning opportunities. This approach allows families to access free and enriching educational programs, breaking down barriers that often hinder educational progress.
Superintendent of Paramount Unified School District, Dr. Joshua Lightle, praised the partnership's holistic approach, commenting that it aligns with the district’s priorities of academic quality and equity. ‘This integrated approach not only aims to elevate academic achievement but also nurtures social-emotional development, ensuring that no student is left behind,’ said Lightle.
Think Together, which has been a key player in California's educational landscape for over 25 years, has dedicated itself to providing equitable educational opportunities and fostering excellence in students across the state. As a division of Think Education, it innovatively addresses the diverse needs of students through early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for educators.
For those interested in learning more about Think Together and its impactful programs, further information can be found on their official website or through their various social media platforms. This recognition of Paramount Unified by Think Together serves as both a celebration of their achievements and a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping positive educational futures for the youth of California.
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