Welcome To Summer Search

Congratulations on being selected for Summer Search: it is an amazing program for amazing students! Summer Search students embark on a path of success and go on to become college graduates, teachers, doctors, community organizers and other professionals. Whatever they do, they are leaders who help others. You are taking the first steps on this path yourself, and we are proud to have you as part of our Summer Search family.

You were chosen because you have shown special qualities:

• Reflection: curiosity about your own motivations and behavior, and a willingness to ask questions and learn.
• Altruism: an ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes, and a desire to help them.
• Performance: responsibility, commitment, and problem-solving skills.

The Summer Search program is designed to give you access to experiences that will help you develop life skills, graduate high school, go to college, and help your community. Right now, there are nearly 2000 Summer Search alumni (students who have graduated from our program) all over the country and the world!

Like pretty much anything that’s worthwhile, it’s going to be tough in some places, but it will also be a lot of fun at others. We are going to be alongside you every step of the way, because our goal is your success. That is what Summer Search is all about—investing in future leaders who will go on to help others succeed too. Good luck!

Congratulations from Summer Search Alumni

We asked some Summer Search alumni—students who have been through the program and are now in college—what they wanted to say to you. Here are just a few of their messages:

“I want to say: Take advantage of all the opportunities to the fullest. They have so many opportunities. I tried to really connect with my mentor, and I really got a lot out of it. Through connecting with her, she really taught me to break out of my shell and the things that were holding me back and be responsible for myself. So give it 100%.” Alexia

“Congratulations! I’m very excited for you! I know you’re all going to go on super-fun trips, that’s for sure. You’ll learn about other cultures and about yourself and what you’re passionate about.” Tracy

“I was really nervous before I had to make my first call. I was like, uh, what do I talk about? And I’m really not comfortable sharing stuff about myself with a stranger. But I made that call, and I kept making the calls, and you get used to it. You get closer to your mentor and they really help you get through everything that you’re having difficulties with. My mentor really helped me with my life and made me a better person. I understand myself better.” Carlos

“When I first got accepted to Summer Search I got really excited because I knew I was joining another family—another set of people I can lean on when I need it, another set of people to help me figure out who I am and what I can accomplish in life.” LaToya

“Welcome to Summer Search! It’s a cool program. They’re going to help you your whole life. When I first got accepted to Summer Search, to know that all the faith that I had put out there was about to come back and help me achieve my dreams – it was extremely exciting.” Janice

“For incoming students all I have to say is stick with it. It’s hard. They’re going to require a lot from you, a lot of self-reflection but it’s worth it. And those trips – they’re the bomb! Lots of fun!” Jessica

“My first thought when I got into Summer Search was, wow, are you people really going to stick with me for three years? I was like, What am I getting myself into? But in the end it worked out just fine, and I found a whole new family in Summer Search. It’s the best experience in high school that I could ever have had. So I would say to new students: Take advantage of it, be active and be your best!” Eduardo

“No matter where you go you will always encounter challenges along your way, and the best thing you can do for yourself is just get yourself through it. Running away from it won’t help. Definitely having Summer Search there with you is the best way to help yourself through it. It teaches you how to get over challenges very efficiently and in the best possible way.”

“I just want to say welcome to the Summer Search family!” Rosa

“Hi Summer Searchers! I know it’s a hard program but you’ll love it, you’ll enjoy it, and it’s a lifetime program, so stick with us!” Lorna

“Being in Summer Search is a rollercoaster ride. Just hold on tight: there’s ups, there’s downs, but it’s always exciting.” Teodora

“I just want to say congratulations! This program is a really good program. Even when you’re still a student, it shows you how much of a leader you are, and it shapes you for the real world.” Hillary

“Congratulations! It’s a very selective program—I know I felt really fortunate. At first it was scary to go through the process, especially after the interview, but it was definitely worth it.” Saul