At Summer Search, we believe in lifting up young people, supporting them to navigate life’s challenges, and preparing them to thrive—not just in one moment, but for a lifetime. Few people embody this mission as fully as Curtis Yancy, a former mentor, staff member, and now proud board member of Summer Search Bay Area.

Curtis’s story is one of deep connection, intentional leadership, and the belief that every young person deserves a chance to discover who they are and what they can achieve.

First Discovering Summer Search

Curtis first learned about Summer Search while working as a school counselor in Boston during graduate school. He remembers sitting through a presentation for students and immediately being drawn to the mission.

“The mentoring piece really caught my eye,” Curtis reflects. “The idea of professional mentors—people trained to do deep, meaningful work with youth—felt so unique. It wasn’t just volunteers doing surface-level engagement. This was social-emotional learning at its core, giving young people tools to grow and thrive.”

Inspired, Curtis applied for a mentor role in Summer Search’s Bay Area office in 2014. Over the next three years, he wore multiple hats: high school mentor, college advisor, and a key leader in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work within the organization.

As a mentor, Curtis cherished the opportunity to walk alongside young people on their journeys. “There’s nothing like it,” he says. “I’ll never forget seeing students come back from their first summer trips, hearing how life-changing those experiences were for them, and helping them integrate those lessons back home. You get to know everything about their lives and support them in ways that matter most to them.”

The impact wasn’t just on students—it was on him, too. “Working with the staff at Summer Search was equally inspiring,” Curtis shares. “The intentionality of the work, the focus on every single detail to ensure we were ready to support students, was unparalleled. It taught me values and approaches I’ve carried with me ever since.”

A New Path: From Youth Work to Philanthropy

While leading DEI efforts at Summer Search, Curtis began to notice a recurring challenge: the language around racial justice and identity development sometimes created friction within the fundraising space. “We were talking about critical race theory, white supremacy, and identity-affirming programming—important, explicit work,” he explains. “But we often bumped up against discomfort, especially in fundraising and board circles.”

This realization sparked a curiosity about the philanthropic sector. What would it take to change the way funding decisions were made? How could philanthropy center the voices and experiences of those closest to social issues?

“I didn’t know much about philanthropy at the time,” Curtis admits. “But as I started learning, I saw there was already a movement of people pushing for change—people with lived experience entering the space, advocating for equity, and funding identity-affirming work like what Summer Search does.”

Curtis made the leap, transitioning into philanthropy with roles at the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation and most recently 5 years at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. It was a challenging shift. “Stepping away from direct service meant I wasn’t in community in the same way,” he reflects. “But I gained a broader perspective. I was able to work with a portfolio of organizations, learn about financial sustainability, and partner with local government. It expanded my understanding of the youth development ecosystem.”

Returning to Summer Search as a Board Member

In 2023, Curtis was invited to join Summer Search Bay Area’s Board of Directors. “I was surprised and honored to be asked,” he says. “I always knew I’d stay connected to Summer Search in some way, but I didn’t expect to step into board leadership so soon.”

Curtis brings a unique perspective to the board as a former staff member and a leader in philanthropy. “I can see where Summer Search fits within the larger youth development and education landscape,” he explains. “I understand the challenges and opportunities other organizations face, and I can help connect Summer Search to the broader ecosystem.”

For Curtis, one of the most valuable aspects of board service is the opportunity to elevate the importance of deep, long-term work. “In philanthropy, there’s often a focus on scale—on numbers. How many students did you reach? But Summer Search does something different. It’s not about quick, light-touch interventions. It’s about profound, lasting change.”

He continues: “Summer Search mentors prepare students for life. They help young people understand who they are, so that when challenges arise—whether it’s a test, a summer trip, or a difficult life moment—they have the tools to navigate it. That identity work, that internal strength, is something they carry with them forever.”

What Makes Summer Search Special

When asked what sets Summer Search apart, Curtis doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the depth of the work,” he says. “A lot of organizations focus on helping young people succeed in one moment. Summer Search goes deeper. It’s not just about getting a student through a test or into a college—it’s about helping them develop the confidence, resilience, and self-awareness to face any challenge life throws at them.”

He adds: “This work isn’t just anecdotal. It’s backed by evidence. The social-emotional skills Summer Search students build are real and lasting. They’re learning to reflect, to grow, and to lean on their strengths for years to come.”

Curtis also credits the organization’s intentionality. “From the mentors to the staff to the board, everyone at Summer Search is deeply committed to the students,” he says. “There’s a level of care and attention here that I haven’t seen anywhere else.”

Advice for Prospective Board Members

For those considering board service, Curtis offers thoughtful advice: “It’s not just about loving the mission—it’s about being ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Board service comes with responsibility. Whether it’s fundraising, offering expertise, or sharing your lived experience, you have to be willing to show up and contribute.”

At the same time, Curtis encourages future board members not to doubt their value. “If you’re being recruited, it’s because you belong,” he says. “All expertise is expertise—whether it comes from lived experience, professional skills, or a passion for the work. Every perspective matters.”

A Lasting Legacy

As Curtis reflects on his journey—from mentor to working in philanthropy to board member—one thing remains constant: his belief in Summer Search’s mission.

“Summer Search changes lives,” he says. “It’s long-term, identity-affirming work that empowers young people to step into their full potential. I’m proud to be part of it—then, now, and always.”

We are grateful for Curtis’s leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment to our students. His journey exemplifies what’s possible when we invest deeply in young people and create spaces where they can thrive.

Thank you, Curtis, for being a part of the Summer Search family.

This blog was written by Vanessa Baker Rodriguez after sitting down for an interview with Curtis.