Think Together scholarship recipient Ciara smiles proudly after receiving a $3,000 Beyond Think Together Scholarship Award, celebrating her academic achievement and future success.

Think Together, California’s largest nonprofit expanded learning service provider and a division of Think Education, is proud to announce that for a second consecutive year it has awarded the Beyond Think Together Scholarship to graduating high school seniors. These students have demonstrated exceptional growth, resilience, and commitment to their education through participation in the organization’s high school programs.

Ten high school seniors received a $3,000 award to apply toward their transition to college. The award recognizes students who have participated in Think Together programming over multiple years and are now advancing into college and career pathways with a strong foundation of academic and personal development.

Among this year’s recipients is Ciara Sakyi, a graduate of Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Rialto Unified School District, who received the $3,000 scholarship to support her college journey.

After immigrating from Ghana during her sophomore year, Ciara faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, school, and culture. Through Think Together, she found mentorship, academic support, and a sense of belonging that helped her thrive.

Ciara is pursuing a career as a cardiac surgeon, with plans to attend California State University, Fullerton, before transferring to New York University. Her aspirations were further strengthened through Think Together’s Flight to the Future scholarship in her junior year, which allowed her to visit NYU and experience campus life firsthand.

“On behalf of our Rialto USD Board of Education, the district thanks Think Together for awarding the ‘Beyond Think Together Scholarship’ to deserving graduating seniors, including our own standout student Ciara, from Eisenhower High School,” said Dr. Alejandro Alvarez, Rialto Unified School District Superintendent. “This generous support helps students continue their educational journeys and reflects Think Together’s dedication to empowering young people through education. Thank you. We are appreciative of the scholarship and proud of our scholar.”

“At Think Together, we have the privilege of watching students grow into confident, capable young leaders as they pursue their dreams and prepare for what comes next,” said Randy Barth, Think Together Founder and CEO. “That is why celebrating this year’s graduates and scholarship recipients is so special. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where their futures take them.”

In 2025, Think Together served more than 9,000 high school students across 32 school sites throughout California. Through programs such as driver education, financial literacy and WREP (Workforce Readiness Education Program), students are gaining well-rounded skills and hands-on experience specifically designed to prepare them for the future.

“Every day, we see students discover their passions, direction, and voice through our high school programs. Our role is to meet them where they are, provide consistent support and opportunity, to help them build a clear pathway to what comes next,” said Think Together Older Youth Program Specialist Sean Magana. “The Beyond Think Together Scholarship is one way we celebrate that journey and the incredible growth we see across all the students we serve.”

Think Together partners with corporate foundations to expand student opportunities through STEM learning with Boeing, college visit awards with Southwest Airlines, Career Technical Education pathways through the K12 Foothill Consortium, and driver’s education courses with State Farm.

These partnerships, combined with Think Together’s high school programming, help create meaningful pathways for students to explore their interests, build essential skills, and prepare for life beyond graduation. The impact is reflected in outcomes from Think Together high school students, with 94% reporting awareness of different career options and 95% saying they feel a sense of belonging in their program community.