Stepping Into the World of Arts with Orange County School of the Arts!
Since 2023, Think Together has partnered with Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) to bring high-quality arts education to Orange County and San Bernardino County students through Think Together’s Arts Enrichment Accelerator program. Together, Think Together and OCSA have served over 3,000 students across Southern California.
Arts education remains a vital subject for students as it empowers them to discover their passions beyond the academic space, which is why Think Together is thrilled to expand the partnership with OCSA to Paramount Unified School District (PUSD). Paramount students from TK-8 can now immerse themselves in hands-on arts experiences in ballet folklórico and mariachi music taught by professional OCSA teaching artists.
Sound & Step to the Stage
During the spring, Think Together students in PUSD practiced over 10 weeks to master the art of ballet folklórico and mariachi music through dance technique, music coordination, teamwork, and much more. At the end of each practice period, students hosted a culminating showcase for friends and family to see their new talents in the spotlight.
“I love that they brought this program to the school, especially because it’s free,” said Stephanie Lopez, Think Together parent. “My daughter loves it and now that she’s going to middle school, she’s even considering participating in the dance program there because she realized she loves ballet folklórico and the performing aspect of it.”
Think Together’s overall goal with the Arts Enrichment Accelerator program is to make dynamic arts education accessible to a range of students, where they are not only able to express themselves creatively but also be introduced to diverse career options.
“The partnership that Think Together has with OCSA is incredible. They’re offering opportunities and expertise in this area where our students can experience things that they have never had before. Arts make us human, so it’s a terrific direction we’re moving in,” said Joyce Taylor, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Coordinator for PUSD.
During PUSD’s spring break, OCSA invited all 15 Paramount school sites that Think Together partners with on a field trip to their campus. Over 230 students from TK-8 participated in interactive workshops like dance, culinary arts, musical composition, artistic drawing, and ballet folklórico.
A Taste of the Arts
In addition to the visual and performing arts curriculum being implemented at PUSD, Paularino Elementary School in Newport-Mesa Unified School District also took part in an OCSA culinary arts pilot program this spring. Think Together students put on their chef aprons and cooked up delicious dishes like energy bars, pizza, cookies, and cupcakes. It was a well-rounded experience where students not only got to put a meal together but also learned the value of nutrition, recipes, and how to combine ingredients.
“It’s my first time learning to cook, and it’s just so cool and makes me curious to cook,” shared second grader Asher. “I’ve been super excited to eat what I make with my friends, and I’m happy to be in the program!”
Amplifying the Arts
Due to the partnership’s wide success, the Arts Enrichment Accelerator with OCSA will continue to expand into Think Together’s 2025 summer program at PUSD, which is expected to be the largest yet. Looking forward, Lynwood Unified School District is slated for the upcoming fall to take part in Think Together and OCSA’s partnership.
With Think Together’s commitment to creating endless opportunities for students and OCSA’s nationally recognized curriculum, this collaboration is transforming the afterschool space into a unique and impactful environment where creativity and enthusiasm thrive.
