Think Together, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the education system, has recently honored the Colton Joint Unified School District for its outstanding community engagement efforts. At an awards ceremony held on May 2, Think Together presented the district with the Champion of Change Award, commending their innovative approach to scaling academic and enrichment programs.
The partnership between Think Together and Colton Joint Unified began in 2010 and has provided after-school and expanded learning programs to more than 3,500 students free of charge this year alone. By leveraging various funding streams such as ELOP grants and ASES funding, the district successfully eliminated waitlists for their afterschool programs and served a daily average of 150-200 students at each of their 22 elementary and middle schools.
In addition to their financial initiatives, Colton Joint Unified has integrated community partners into Think Together’s expanded learning programs. These programs offer students the opportunity to explore music through Drums Speaks©️ and Dhasa Care Foundation, theater through L.A. Arts Group, and competitive sports through organizations like the LA84 Foundation.
Rhonda Scott, Think Together’s General Manager for the San Bernardino Northeast region, praised Colton Joint Unified for their dedication to providing support not only to students but also to staff members. She stated, “With the expanded learning opportunity, Think Together has been able to expand to offer more students and their families the invaluable opportunity for a safe place to be in the hours after the school bell rings.”
Dr. Frank Miranda, the Superintendent of the Colton Joint Unified School District, expressed his gratitude towards Think Together for their transformative impact on the community. He emphasized the importance of providing students with opportunities to learn and thrive, stating, “It just brings so much joy to my heart to see what Think Together does for our community by providing opportunities where students can be happy and learn.”
Think Together has been partnering with schools for over 25 years, aiming to create equal opportunities for all students. Through their programs in early learning, afterschool support, and leadership development, Think Together has impacted over 200,000 students in more than 675 schools.
For more information about Think Together and their mission, please visit www.thinktogether.org or contact them at (888) 485-THINK.
While the article highlights the commendable community engagement efforts of the Colton Joint Unified School District, there are some additional facts, trends, and challenges related to the subject that can be discussed.
One important aspect to consider is the current market trends in education and the growing importance of community involvement. Many school districts, like Colton Joint Unified, are recognizing the value of partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders to enhance the education system. This trend is driven by a growing understanding that collaboration and collective impact can lead to improved student outcomes and overall community well-being.
Forecast-wise, it is likely that more school districts will explore and implement community engagement initiatives like the one showcased in the article. As districts face budget constraints, seeking external funding sources, such as grants, will continue to be a priority. Additionally, the integration of community partners into expanded learning programs is expected to grow as schools seek to provide more diverse enrichment opportunities for students.
However, it is important to acknowledge that there are also key challenges and controversies associated with community engagement efforts in the education sector. One common challenge is the sustainability of these programs. While the article mentions the successful utilization of various funding streams, the long-term financial support for such programs can be uncertain. Schools and districts often face funding cuts, leading to potential instability in the availability and continuity of community-backed initiatives.
Another challenge is ensuring equitable access to these programs. While the article mentions that over 3,500 students have benefited from the partnership this year, it is worth investigating whether all students in the district have had equal opportunities to participate. Socioeconomic disparities, transportation limitations, and other factors can create barriers to access that need to be addressed.
On a positive note, one advantage of community engagement efforts like the one highlighted in the article is that they provide additional learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day. Students who participate in after-school programs and expanded learning initiatives often have access to enriching activities and experiences that can contribute to their academic and personal growth.
Another advantage is the potential for increased collaboration between schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and networks of various stakeholders, schools can create comprehensive programs that address the diverse needs and interests of their students.
For further exploration of Think Together and their mission, their official website is an excellent resource. You can visit their website at www.thinktogether.org or contact them directly at (888) 485-THINK.