Weekly Media Roundup: December 3, 2025

Think Together Organization at Plaza West Covina, CBS News Los Angeles (California)

Since 1994, Think Together has partnered with school districts across California to provide quality afterschool programming with hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, art projects, and unique enrichment opportunities for thousands of students. This year, the program brought 3,000 students to a Los Angeles Angels baseball game at no cost. “We offer programming during winter break, spring break and summer, so it’s a year-round program. As you see the economy shift, there’s parents who don’t have access to child care, so this is a great opportunity for them,” Executive Director Joe Gallardo told CBS News Los Angeles.  

Wyoming Teens Team Up with Local Brewery to Feed Neighbors This Giving Tuesday, Fox 17 (Michigan)

At The Attic afterschool program in Wyoming, Michigan, teenagers gain meaningful life skills through its mentorship program and community service projects. After the Thanksgiving holiday, students partnered with Two Guys Brewing to prepare homecooked boxed meals for neighbors facing food insecurity. “Our mission is to help students to write a better story,” Jordan Stonehouse, executive director of The Attic, told Fox 17. “And so that includes every leader that’s involved in what we do, whether you’re helping in the kitchen or leading small groups or playing basketball with kids.”

Lack of After-School Care Sends 687K Michigan Parents Scrambling, Bridge Michigan (Michigan)

According to the latest America After 3 PM study, for every student in an afterschool program in Michigan, five more are unable to access one. Local advocates say the state has made significant progress by investing more than $200 million in out-of-school time programs since 2021, but much more is needed to truly meet the demand. For parents like Marcia Alger, a single mom in White Cloud, the afterschool shortage creates enormous challenges. “It creates a lot of uncertainty and stress around our daily routines,” Alger told Bridge Michigan. “Without reliable afterschool care, it’s difficult to balance my work, schedule and my family responsibilities.”

Uncrustables® Donates 1 Million Sandwiches to Boys & Girls Clubs Across the Country, Associated Press

Thanks to the J.M. Smucker Company, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America received one million Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for students in its afterschool programs. “We appreciate the opportunity to play a cool role in supporting the amazing work of local Clubs to ensure kids and teens have access to meals and snacks,” said J.M. Smucker Co. Marketing Director Chris Achenbach. The Smucker Company also pledged $1.5 million to the local Boys & Girls Club located near its headquarters in Orrville, Ohio.