Think Together will launch afterschool and expanded learning programming across 13 Santa Maria-Bonita elementary schools beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, expanding access to quality out-of-school time for students in a region where such resources have been limited by geography and economics.
The partnership will create nearly 100 education positions while serving a student population in communities shaped by agricultural economies, Latino/a/x communities and immigrant families across California's Central Coast.
"We took time to visit programs and see the work firsthand in communities that share many of the same strengths, challenges, and multicultural influences as Santa Maria," said Laurie Graack, Director of Teaching & Learning Supplemental Programs for the district. "What stood out was the strong student engagement, the supportive learning environments, and the organization's commitment to partnering closely with schools and families."
Think Together's selection reflects a best practice in expanded learning: evidence-based decision-making grounded in observation and community input rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Research over the past two decades shows that program quality matters more than hours. High-quality afterschool programs produce measurable gains in academic achievement for low-income students and students of color, improve attendance, reduce behavioral referrals and build social-emotional skills.
Success depends on trained staff who understand youth development, intentional curriculum design, strong partnerships between school-day and afterschool educators, real relationships with families, and consistent evaluation.
District Superintendent Dr. Darren McDuffie said the district is "committed to providing enriching opportunities that support the academic and social-emotional growth of our students beyond the classroom."
Think Together held community events at Arellanes Junior High and Taylor Elementary before the fall launch, creating accessible entry points for families to learn about offerings and meet staff.
Think Together has a 25-year track record across California in rural, urban and suburban contexts, including experience in the Central Valley, Bay Area and now the Central Coast.
Questions remain about implementation, including how the organization will ensure students with the greatest needs enroll and stay engaged, how the district will ensure equitable access across all schools, and what accountability mechanisms exist to measure outcomes beyond enrollment.
Expanded learning works best when embedded in comprehensive student support strategies that also include early intervention in reading, mental health support, family engagement and equitable school funding.
If implemented effectively, students will encounter trained adults in safe environments designed to help them learn and grow. Research suggests such experiences accumulate over time into measurable gains: higher achievement, stronger attendance and greater school engagement.
