Alum Javier Diaz helping a new generation of students achieve their full potential

THINK Together alum Javier Diaz is featured in a story recently published in the Laguna Beach Independent: "Student Mentor Program Breaks Down Barriers."

As Published: In his second year as director of Juntos, Javier Diaz has redefined the limits of an after-school activity. The program, meaning "together" in Spanish, aims to foster a friendly environment in which Spanish-speaking students struggling with school can seek help from high school mentors. With Diaz's help, Juntos is flourishing into a three-day-perweek course that serves as a social venue for both mentors and "mentees."

While the number of students has risen from 10 middle school and eight high school students in 2007 to 14 middle school and 18 high school students in 2009, Diaz is most pleased with the rising number of mentors. Currently, Juntos's mentor group is comprised of 43 high school students, a huge jump from the 25 student mentors in the program two years ago. "Due to the increase in participation and the positive impact on students, the Juntos program was one of the signature practices that helped Thurston Middle School receive the Distinguished School award," said Diaz.

The increasing volunteer number has proven successful in stretching Juntos to ... (See Complete Story)

Diaz is one of three former students who share their personal stories in a new video -- "From beating the odds ... to changing the odds" -- which premiered at THINK Together's 2009 Annual Benefit luncheon.