June 27, 2025

Celebrating Growth and the Journey Ahead: Highlights from Beyond2026

Christina Manng

Christina Manng is the National Associate Director of Development at Summer Search.
Summer Search BEYOND2026 Blog

What does it mean to step into your future with confidence, support, and a strong sense of self? At Beyond2026: Navigating Opportunities in a Changing World, Summer Search Boston high school juniors on the cusp of their senior year explored exactly that.

Held in June, this special event brought together Summer Search students, their high school mentors, and their new post-secondary mentors for a full day of introductions, discovery, and celebration. The goal? To connect juniors to post-secondary resources throughout the city, build stronger connections with their post-secondary mentors, and mark the exciting transition into the next phase of their Summer Search journey.

A Day of Discovery

Students kicked off the afternoon with a resource fair and scavenger hunt, connecting with local organizations and institutions including The Posse Foundation, Lesley University – Urban Scholars, Messina College, Boston University, City Year Boston, The Upward Project, Roxbury Community College, and Leadership Brainery. One student reflected:

“I like that I was able to connect and be informed about programs and colleges I have never heard of before. It allowed me to continue progressing through my post-secondary prep when I was feeling stuck.”

And, of course, there was fun too. Another student reflected:

“I really liked the jeopardy! I got to connect with other Summer Searchers and meet kids from different schools.”

Between taking professional headshots, talking to other rising seniors from across the city, and a community lunch, the event is designed to give Summer Searchers the space to get excited and get informed about what is coming in their busy senior years.

Beyond2026 BO Tables

Students connecting with local Boston organizations and institutions

Meet Your Post-Secondary Mentors

One of the most important parts of the day was the breakout sessions for students where their high school mentors introduced them to their new post-secondary mentors. This is the first opportunity for students and their new mentors to build trust and begin what will become an essential relationship.

As Post-Secondary Mentor, Adriana Salse shared, “I had a great time meeting with the students. Having a chance to connect with them, share a little bit about myself, and gather in community before beginning our post-secondary mentoring was a great way to kick-start our journey together.” 

Josue and Jacob at BEYOND2026

Summer Search Mentors Jacob Urena (left) and Josue Theosmy welcoming students to Beyond2026

Stepping Up and Looking Back

At the heart of the afternoon is the Stepping Up Ceremony, a moment where high school mentors honor their students and pass the baton to the post-secondary mentor team. High school mentors shared reflections and affirmations, recognizing how much their students have grown and encouraging them to embrace the path ahead, bumps and all.

Mentor Ashley Hudson reminded students: “I want to remind you, that you are allowed to make mistakes, to mess up, and that’s literally part of life. And sometimes it just be like that.”

Mentor Julia Lara spoke from the heart: “It has been such a privilege and joy to witness and support your growth into young adults.”

And mentor Jacob Urena offered this reflection: “I just want to start off by saying that as you guys begin this new chapter with your post-secondary mentor, I want to take a moment to truly honor the journey that we’ve shared.”

We can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds for these Summer Searchers!

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