Talented and Highly Qualified, Credentialed Master Teachers One aspect of the program that makes it special includes the talented and highly qualified, credentialed teachers that Dr. Warren, the co-founder and director, selects. The teachers at Project Think truly make a difference. They are experts with degrees in their subject areas, know how to make learning engaging, and have the experience to reach and challenge all the diverse learners at Project Think. Hands-on Active Learning in Small Groups/Classes Based on the research about effective teaching, the students at Project Think are presented with content and then engaged in hands-on, project-based activities in small groups/classes to optimize their understanding and learning. The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (http://www.p21.org) recommends four important process skills which are now part of the California Common Core curriculum: Critical Thinking skills, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. These skills have been at the core of Project Think since its inception. Through active learning, our students are challenged to think critically, be creative, communicate in writing and orally, and collaborate with others. Most of all, learning is exciting and fun! Stimulating, Enriching Curriculum The curriculum at Project Think represents STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics). It is truly enriching as it encompasses areas that are often neglected in even the best public or private schools. Yet this content and accompanying process skills are what prepare students to be well-rounded and ready for their future. Our morning program includes science where students learn how to think scientifically through asking questions, conducting experiments, and analyzing the results; creative writing where the children learn to use their own voice while refining their writing skills including writing conventions; technology where all students are introduced to coding - even the Young Thinkers; logic and reasoning and problem solving to stretch their mathematical brains; and the arts to unleash their creativity, introduce them to the elements of art, and encourage communication through a variety of mediums. Additional Afternoon Subject-Themed Classes & Childcare While the children rotate to all the content areas in the morning portion of the program, they get to select one subject-themed area in the afternoon for an in-depth experience each session. Teachers who are content area experts in the field design an engaging and challenging curriculum for each of the afternoon classes. With a focus in the Spanish class on conversation, the students learn through a variety of strategies and activities from singing in the language to playing games to creating art representing the various Spanish-speaking cultures. Students in the afternoon computer class not only learn coding as they design video games and create digital literacy projects GIS software but also engage in robotics as they build and program robots and design/make objects with 3D printing. The theater comes alive in the afternoon drama class as students explore all aspects of creating a production that is taped for Family Night. The Project Think aquatics team of Red Cross certified lifeguards and instructors as well as a coordinator provides 40–60-minute swimming lessons daily to develop the water safety of new swimmers and advance the strokes and diving skills of experienced swimmers. Finally, the afternoon visual and performing arts instructors provide opportunities for the Young Thinkers to experience all the arts from drawing and painting to singing, dancing, and acting as they too create and tape a performance that is shown at Family Night. An engaging childcare program includes a variety of activities daily such as board games including chess, art projects, outdoor games, and computer challenges. Trained daycare staff members create a caring and fun atmosphere in which friendships are fostered. The staff often hear at pick-up, “Can’t I stay just a little longer, please?” Nurturing, College Atmosphere While Project Think is known for its high-quality academic classes, the most important feature of the program is that it is in a nurturing environment. Every effort is made to ensure the well-being of the children through qualified and caring credentialed teachers, assistant teachers, and volunteers. Students are always supervised by experienced teachers, escorted between classes or to the restroom/office, and never left unattended. All staff members wear a red Project Think shirt and a name tag for quick identification. Our nurturing Office Coordinator also helps with any illnesses or other concerns such as a forgotten snack or lunch. She readily communicates with parents if there are any needs. Being at the Claremont Colleges allows the Project Thinkers to experience college at a young age. They see that it is an extension of schooling. This encourages their interest in academics and also reduces any fears they may have of going to college when they get older.

In addition to enriching the lives of our almost 300 TK-8th grade students each 3-week session, we also support the growth of about 20 college interns and 75+ high school volunteers who are selected to work with us. Dr. Warren recruits interns from the Claremont Colleges and other local institutions of higher education. Those from the Claremont Colleges often receive funding from their respective school’s career services offices. The volunteers represent the many public and private high schools around the Claremont/Upland area. Interns and volunteers serve as wonderful role models for the children at Project Think. They are provided training and mentoring/coaching before and throughout the program. Many of them continue to seek advice from Dr. Warren months and even years after their experience with Project Think. Over the years, many of the volunteers have shared with Dr. Warren that it was their time at Project Think that they discovered a passion for working with children. Dozens have, in fact, become teachers here in our local schools.