From the global pandemic to economic devastation, worldwide calls for racial equity, and civil unrest, the world was upended in 2020 and the inequities in our society were laid bare.
Education was no exception. In fact, education was instantly in the spotlight.
Schools closed, children were sent home, classrooms transformed into computer screens. Think Together used its 20 years of experience as a nonprofit in the expanded learning, early learning, and equity-grounded school improvement space and pivoted to support the new normal.
The nonprofit asked its district and charter partners, “How can we support you during the pandemic?” Immediately, Think Together deployed more than 700 online lessons to its school partners. When Think Together's district and charter partners reached out to say students needed a lifeline, the organization offered wellness checks, translation services and device distribution. And when students needed a place to learn, Think Together pulled together safe learning hubs for the students and families that needed it most. The Think Together staff has shown incredible resilience and worked through unimaginable challenges to meet this moment by supporting schools, students and families with essential services and meaningful academic experiences.
Think Together’s Los Angeles County regions, the nonprofit’s largest area of impact, partner with 14 districts, 23 charter partners, and support over 70,000 students from Azusa to Pacoima to Compton. Several of Think Together’s Los Angeles County schools partnered with Think Together to operate learning hubs that served the hardest-hit students; primarily foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, and those struggling to learn online.
For students receiving in-person school day support, students arrive on campus, are provided a wellness check, and given a healthy snack. Supervised by a site coordinator and a team of expanded learning professionals, students have access to reliable wi-fi, academic and technology help, and have their questions answered by a trained, caring adult leader, as they receive synchronous online instruction from their teachers.
These services directly helped the children and families in the community, so that kids could continue on their path toward academic success in a year of unprecedented challenges.
Despite that fateful day that COVID-19 changed everyone's lives, Think Together's mission remained steadfast; to partner with schools to change the odds for kids.
From virtual and in-person afterschool programming that includes homework assistance, grade and assignment recovery, social-emotional support, and academic enrichment, to face-to-face distance learning support for districts and schools operating online, Think Together indeed pivoted to provide these critical supports.
But the organization didn’t do it alone. Think Together did it with the help of a village of caring staff, strong school partners, and generous corporate, foundation and individual donors.
WHILE 2021 BRINGS NEW HOPE ON THE HORIZON, THERE’S STILL SO MUCH WORK TO DO.
Students are still struggling to recover from a devastating year of learning loss and social and emotional challenges. Families still face insurmountable insecurities. But together, we can overcome the obsticles. Together, we can change the odds.
Think Together is honored to be part of the caring community of nonprofit organizations serving Los Angeles, and congratulates all of its fellow nominees.
To learn more, visit thinktogether.org.
