California Volunteers Unite to Tackle Student Summer Learning Slide

SANTA ANA, CA – May 01, 2026 – In a vibrant display of community action, hundreds of volunteers, donors, and community partners converged in Santa Ana for Think Together's third annual "Think Together, Build Together" event. The initiative successfully raised $160,000 and culminated in the assembly of over 2,000 classroom kits destined to power hands-on summer learning for students across the state. The effort represents a critical, proactive strike against the well-documented phenomenon of summer learning loss.

Hosted by Think Together, a division of the educational non-profit Think Education, the event provides the tangible tools necessary for the organization's extensive summer programs. These programs are designed to keep students academically and socially engaged during the months when learning momentum can often stall, particularly for students in under-resourced communities.

A Community Mobilized Against the 'Summer Slide'

The annual kit-building event has rapidly become a cornerstone of Think Together's community engagement strategy. This year's gathering saw a diverse coalition of volunteers from corporate partners and local civic groups working side-by-side. Teams from organizations including the Assistance League of Tustin, Santa Ana Rotary, Topgolf, Pacific Life, Pioneer Circuits, and State Farm dedicated their time to pack the kits with materials for academic and enrichment activities.

The collaborative spirit underscores a shared commitment to supporting California's youth. Over the past three years, the event has grown into a signature volunteer initiative, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing complex educational challenges.

"If anyone's thinking about getting involved or supporting Think Together, you know what I'd say? Just do it," urged Tracy Hernandez, a Think Together board member and CEO of the New California Coalition. "We need students to be well supported and inspired to be the best they can be as they grow up into the future."

This sentiment of shared responsibility is the engine behind the event, translating philanthropic dollars and volunteer hours directly into educational resources that will reach thousands of children.

The Science of Summer: Kits as a Catalyst for Learning

The kits are more than just a collection of supplies; they are a strategic tool in the fight against the "summer slide." Decades of educational research confirm that during extended school breaks, students can lose a significant portion of the academic gains made during the school year. This learning loss is particularly pronounced in mathematics and early literacy and can widen achievement gaps, requiring costly and time-consuming reteaching when school resumes.

Think Together's model directly confronts this issue by rejecting a purely remedial approach. Instead of traditional summer school, it offers a dynamic blend of academic support and high-interest enrichment. The classroom kits assembled at the event are the fuel for this model, containing materials for STEM projects, arts education, sports, and other real-world learning experiences.

"Summer learning plays a critical role in helping students maintain momentum," said Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Education. "These kits help ensure students return to school ready to learn, not needing to catch up."

This hands-on, project-based approach aligns with findings from leading educational researchers, which suggest that the most effective summer programs combine academics with engaging activities that feel more like a camp than a classroom. By making learning fun, Think Together encourages high attendance and sustained engagement, which are key factors for achieving positive academic and social-emotional outcomes.

Scaling Impact: A 25-Year Mission for Educational Equity

The "Think Together, Build Together" event is a visible component of a much larger, long-term strategy. For over 25 years, Think Together has been a major force in California's educational landscape, partnering with school districts to pursue what it calls "educational opportunity and excellence for all kids." The organization has served over two million students since its inception.

Today, Think Together's reach is immense, serving over 200,000 students annually across more than 550 school sites. This scale is supported by a robust and diversified funding model. While the $160,000 raised for the kits is vital, it is part of a larger financial picture that saw the organization's revenue reach $217 million in 2024. Its operations have tripled in size since 2021, fueled by a combination of private philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and significant public investment.

This growth has been bolstered by California's historic investment in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), which is set to receive $5 billion in annual funding. Think Together is a key partner for many school districts in implementing these state-funded programs, ensuring the investment reaches the students it is intended to help.

Last summer alone, the organization's programs served more than 26,000 students at 270 school sites, providing a structured, safe, and enriching environment during a critical period.

Voices from the Field: The Student and Family Experience

Beyond the numbers, the true impact of Think Together's work is found in the experiences of the children and families it serves. The programs that these newly assembled kits will support have a proven track record of fostering not just academic skills, but also personal growth and confidence.

According to the organization's own data, 87% of participating students report feeling more confident in their school classes, and 88% see college as a viable option for their future. The focus on social-emotional learning is also paying dividends, with one parent of a summer program participant noting their child "gained better social-emotional skills." In fact, a 2021 survey found that 98% of families felt the summer program met their child's needs.

Students often describe the programs in personal, glowing terms. "Think Together is fun because it feels like a family," one student shared. Another remarked, "Because of Think Together, I get to make new friends and talk to people I haven't met before." These testimonials highlight the program's success in creating a supportive community where students feel safe to learn and grow.

This holistic approach, which combines academic support with personal development and community building, is central to the organization's mission. The 2,000 kits, built by the hands of dedicated volunteers, are the first step in creating these transformative experiences for thousands of California students this summer.