THINK Together Expands Extended Learning Time & Early Literacy Programs Statewide

SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- THINK Together, one of the nation's largest non-profit providers of Extended Learning Time (ELT) programs, announced further expansion in California with the addition of more than 80 school sites this fall in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Sacramento Counties.  Through an increased investment from the Children & Families Commission of Orange County, the organization quadrupled the size of its Early Literacy Program.  In 2011-12, THINK Together anticipates serving more than 100,000 youngsters at more than 400 locations.  The organization's ELT programs range from after-school and spring break programs to early literacy and small group tutoring.

The organization's unique academic, research-based program model, the significant academic gains of students in THINK Together programs, and its financially-efficient business model are fueling THINK Together's rapid growth.  Over the last five years, THINK Together has seen its revenues grow from under $3 million per year to more than $60 million annually.  Its revenues come from school district and city contracts, which are funded by state and federal grants, as well as philanthropic investments from local, state and national sources.

Tustin Unified School District and the Victor Elementary School District chose THINK Together as their ELT providers because its model has proven to be effective in supporting student achievement.  The City of Moreno Valley hired THINK Together to operate after-school programs in 43 schools - as a way to bolster student achievement and reduce expenditures. Cost efficiency also was a factor in the selection of THINK Together by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County for the expansion of early literacy programs.  To save costs, the Commission blended its operation into THINK Together.

The organization is also enhancing its ELT programs with a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and digital media arts offerings statewide, and is launching new high school pilot programs focused on wellness through a partnership with the j.k. livin Foundation, founded by actor Matthew McConaughey.  

THINK (which stands for Teaching, Helping, Inspiring, Nurturing, Kids) Together was incorporated in 1997 as a 501c3 non-profit public benefit corporation.  The organization has 2,300 employees and more than 5,000 volunteers statewide, which support more than 400 program locations from San Diego to Sacramento Counties.  

SOURCE THINK Together