Think Transcend, the professional development arm of Think Education, has partnered with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) to introduce the Transcendent Leader Institute, a groundbreaking 10-month leadership program tailored for current and aspiring superintendents and educational system leaders across California. The first cohort is scheduled to commence in June 2026.

The Transcendent Leader Institute is a significant commitment to strengthening the future of educational leadership in California. Beyond developing technical leadership expertise, the program focuses on fostering personal growth, relationship-building, and purpose-driven leadership skills essential for navigating complex educational systems and improving student outcomes. Built on the conviction that every student deserves access to high-quality schools, meaningful relationships, and life-changing opportunities, the Institute aims to prepare leaders who can create sustainable positive change for students, educators, families, and communities.

"Educational leaders today face unprecedented challenges, making it more important than ever to cultivate leadership that supports thriving students, staff, and communities," said Dr. Paul Gothold, President and Founder of Think Transcend. "Our collaboration with ACSA provides leaders with an environment where they can strengthen not only their professional capabilities but also their sense of purpose, authenticity, and ability to drive impactful transformation within their organizations."

The year-long program is structured around a leadership model that highlights 12 essential competencies associated with successful district leadership. Participants will take part in intensive in-person sessions, virtual learning opportunities, personalized coaching, and collaborative engagements. The curriculum emphasizes practical implementation, self-reflection, and the development of a supportive professional network dedicated to excellence, equity, and student-focused leadership.

Throughout the program, participants will examine key areas including systems thinking, data-informed decision-making, socially responsible leadership, and strategies for developing and empowering people. The Institute concludes with a capstone project that enables leaders to apply their learning to real-world challenges within their districts or organizations, with the goal of improving opportunities and outcomes for students.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring leadership development keeps pace with the evolving demands of education," said Dr. Edgar Zazueta, Executive Director of ACSA. "The Institute provides leaders with opportunities for meaningful reflection and growth, helping them build stronger systems, support their teams, and create lasting positive impacts for students and communities."

Graduates of the program will also gain membership in the Transcendent Leader Fellowship, an ongoing network that fosters continuous learning, collaboration, and collective leadership in service of California's students and communities.

Applications for the inaugural June 2026 cohort are now being accepted. Enrollment will be intentionally limited to maintain a highly personalized and transformative experience.

To broaden participation and ensure leaders from diverse backgrounds can access the program, Think Transcend is actively seeking philanthropic partners to sponsor candidates for the first cohort.

Click here to contact the team directly.

COMPUCHILD, a leading provider of entrepreneurial and technology-focused enrichment programs for children, is excited to announce the launch of its newest franchise territory serving Union City and Hayward, California. The location will be owned and managed by Ms. Samareen Rafai, an experienced educator, technology professional, and dedicated East Bay community member who is passionate about empowering young learners.
 
As demand continues to rise for after-school programs that equip children with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven future, COMPUCHILD is expanding its presence in communities seeking innovative educational opportunities. The organization's unique Entrepreneurial STEAM™ framework integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with financial literacy, communication, ethics, and entrepreneurial thinking. This comprehensive approach helps students develop creativity, adaptability, confidence, and critical problem-solving skills through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
 
Families in Union City and Hayward will soon have access to a broad range of enrichment programs covering robotics, computer programming, drone technology, 3D design and printing, clean energy concepts, electronics, public speaking, debate, financial literacy, digital publishing, Science Bowl preparation, investing fundamentals, artificial intelligence, machine learning, startup development, and other experiential STEM and entrepreneurship-based subjects. These programs will be available through after-school classes, weekend workshops, holiday camps, and summer learning experiences designed to make education both enjoyable and relevant to the future.
 
As a parent of school-aged children, Ms. Rafai understands the lasting impact that quality educational opportunities can have on a child's development. Her academic background in Computer Science Engineering, combined with more than five years of experience in the technology sector and several years working with elementary-age students, positions her well to lead this new venture.
 
Ms. Rafai's relationship with COMPUCHILD began in the classroom as an instructor, where she spent over three years teaching enrichment courses and collaborating closely with students and families. During that time, she witnessed how interactive, project-based learning could spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire children to take an active interest in their education.
 
"My experience as both a parent and an instructor has shown me how powerful hands-on learning can be," said Ms. Rafai. "What initially attracted me to COMPUCHILD was the way students were encouraged to actively explore, create, and solve problems rather than simply memorize information. Watching children become excited about learning motivated me to expand my involvement and bring these programs to even more families through franchise ownership."
 
Discussing her decision to join the COMPUCHILD franchise network, Ms. Rafai added, "One of the things that impressed me most was the strong culture of collaboration and support throughout the organization. The mentorship and guidance provided by Ms. Kant are exceptional, and franchise owners genuinely support one another's success. It feels like a network of educators and entrepreneurs united by a shared mission to help children reach their full potential. I'm thrilled to introduce these opportunities to families throughout Union City and Hayward."
 
Welcoming Ms. Rafai to the franchise family, COMPUCHILD President Ms. Shubhra Kant shared, "I have had the privilege of knowing Samareen for nearly five years and have consistently admired her dedication to children and education. She brings genuine enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to everything she does. Her willingness to continuously learn, embrace new challenges, and strive for excellence makes her an outstanding leader. I am confident that her passion, expertise, and strong community connections will help many children discover a love for learning while benefiting from our hands-on educational programs."
 
With growing awareness among parents about the importance of future-ready skills, COMPUCHILD continues to expand throughout the United States and Canada by partnering with franchise owners who share a commitment to education and community engagement. Its affordable franchise model provides educators, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs with an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a rewarding business.
 
Drawing on more than three decades of experience in children's enrichment education, COMPUCHILD has established itself as a respected provider of STEM and entrepreneurial learning programs. The organization is proud to hold Cognia STEM Certification and has been recognized by Franchise Business Review for franchisee satisfaction for 13 consecutive years, reflecting its dedication to educational excellence and franchise support.
 
Individuals interested in exploring franchise ownership opportunities with COMPUCHILD and contributing to the development of future-ready learners can learn more by visiting the company's Own a Franchise page.

Greg Pardo recognized he was ready for a change when he came across a job opening for a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab STEAM Specialist in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After spending 23 years in the same role within a local school system — as a computer science teacher, STEM interventionist, and in other positions — he found himself unable to advance into administration.

"I was always striving to move up, but never quite getting there," Pardo reflects. "It was frustrating."

In the three years since joining McKinley Community School as a STEAM Specialist, Pardo has advanced to the position of Supervisor of Instructional Technology for the New Brunswick School System. His swift career progression is attributed to his decades of experience in tech education, strong interpersonal skills, and the professional development he received through Verizon Innovative Learning.

Though he didn’t grow up in a tech-savvy environment, Pardo always had a passion for science and engineering. "We had one TV in our house," he recalls, smiling. "The channel knob broke, and my dad fixed it with a vise grip. We didn’t have a remote — I was the remote."

However, his grandfather was interested in new technology and bought a personal computer when they were still a novelty. Pardo enjoyed programming the computer and playing video games, sparking a lifelong fascination with how machines, robots, and computers function.

Today’s children grow up in a world far different from Pardo’s youth, with smartphones replacing corded phones and cassette players. Many students have instant access to information and can create impressive digital artwork with just a few taps. Traditional teacher-centered classrooms no longer resonate with this generation of self-directed learners.

"They want to create their own knowledge. They want to create their own information. They want to create their own learning," says Pardo.

As a STEM educator, Pardo began experimenting with student-led classrooms, and his participation in Verizon Innovative Learning’s professional development sessions greatly enhanced his abilities.

"My work with Verizon Innovative Learning boosted my confidence as an administrator, equipping me with the tools to truly understand how to integrate technology in the classroom," says Pardo.

In Verizon’s program, students engage in lessons that build problem-solving skills. "Students collaborate, and the teacher guides them from the side," explains Pardo. "This approach encourages kids to communicate, think creatively, and solve problems. That interaction unfolds more naturally when lessons are project-based or problem-based."

Technology discussions frequently extend to real-world scenarios. An architecture project might spark interest in the engineering of bridge structures, while a virtual reality tour of the Egyptian pyramids offers students — many of whom rarely leave New Brunswick — the opportunity to explore the world. Programming a robot to move could even lead to questions about careers in lunar rover development.

Now, as the District Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Pardo shares his expertise in student-centered learning with educators across the district, often advocating for changes in teaching approaches.

"Many of our teachers are still teaching the way they were taught," says Pardo, referring to the traditional "chalk and talk" method that has dominated classrooms for centuries. "It’s hard for them to let go of that. My job is to encourage them to ease up a bit." This shift fosters greater student engagement and involvement.

Anthony Mwangi, Robotics teacher at New Brunswick Middle School and Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Mentor, says Pardo has revolutionized his teaching. "Mr. Pardo encourages teachers not to give students the answers but to help them discover solutions on their own," says Mwangi.

For Pardo, enhancing students' science and engineering education isn't solely about increasing technology use in the classroom. Educators need to leverage the most effective tools to support students’ learning and help them reach their full potential.

Verizon Innovative Learning is an integral part of the company’s responsible business strategy, aiming to provide digital skills training to 10 million youth by 2030. Teachers can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to incorporate innovative learning methods in the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

"Working with Verizon Innovative Learning gave me the confidence to understand how to integrate technology in the classroom effectively," says Pardo, now District Supervisor of Instructional Technology for New Brunswick School System.