Ursulina Ramirez, Summer Search CEO shares more about what high-quality program and mentorship means at Summer Search. Read more below as she dives into this and the long-term outcomes we seek for our students.

At Summer Search, we often talk about “high-quality programming” and “high-quality mentorship” but these terms have unique meanings at Summer Search. Today, let’s unpack them today!

In the video above featuring Summer Searcher Sophea Martinez and mentor Logan Groh, Logan shared something that resonates deeply with our ethos:

“In our adult lives, there are few places that we can show up as ourselves without fear of judgment and anxiety about how we will be seen by our peers but Summer Search does that for our young people. In those spaces, we can provide unique opportunities to build confidence, to build resilience, or to get important support from someone who can help our young people face the challenges they go through every day, big or small.”

Logan’s words capture the essence of what “high-quality” means at Summer Search. It’s not just about hitting targets or meeting metrics. It’s about creating a space where every young person feels seen, valued, and safe to grow into their full potential.

Our concept of program quality is rooted in the long-term outcomes we seek for our students. At the same time, it reflects our Depth Mentoring approach, which incorporates trauma sensitivity, social and emotional intelligence, critical consciousness, and identity formation. These principles guide us as we strive to deliver impactful programs and mentorship.

What Does High-Quality Programming Look Like in Practice?

Here are five key ways we ensure our programs embody excellence:

• Decisions Aligned to Student Growth: Every choice we make is guided by how it supports young people’s development and long-term success. This student-centered approach keeps us focused on what truly matters.
• Reliable, Meaningful Data: We use data to provide a clear baseline and demonstrate consistent effectiveness over time. Reliable data helps us see what’s working and where we need to improve.
• Mentor Support and Development: Our mentors thrive when they receive ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional learning opportunities. High-quality programming means investing in their growth, too.
• Celebrating Student Achievements: Recognizing and uplifting our students’ milestones—big and small—reinforces that we value their efforts and see their potential.
• Evolving to Meet 21st Century Needs: The world is constantly changing, and so are the needs of our students. We continuously adapt our programs to foster a sense of belonging, career readiness, and the skills young people need today and tomorrow.

Building the Future Together

When we talk about “high-quality programming,” it’s about more than just delivering services. It’s about creating transformational experiences that empower young people to navigate challenges, build confidence, and pursue their dreams. By aligning our efforts with student growth, using data to drive improvement, and investing in our mentors, we can achieve excellence together.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we can ensure that every young person in our program feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive.