Every summer, Summer Search students step into new environments: classrooms, wilderness expeditions, internships, and service-learning trips that challenge and inspire them. None of this would be possible without our incredible Summer Experience Partners, who open doors for our students to learn, grow, and lead.

As the last students return from their 2025 trips, we’re spotlighting six partners who went above and beyond to create life-changing experiences for Summer Searchers.

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Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School

Located on one of Boston Harbor’s largest and most ecologically diverse islands, the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School provides hands-on, adventure-based programs that connect students to nature while developing resilience and leadership.

Summer Searchers have joined more than a dozen kayaking expeditions here, as well as a recent six-day camping and climbing trip. Course Director Izzy Nakisher shared:

“Summer Searchers approach challenges with enthusiasm—spending long periods outdoors for the first time, kayaking, being with new people, and pushing themselves to do more than they thought they could. They are intelligent, funny, kind, and often we learn from them just as much as they learn from us.”

Because they are an organization local to Summer Search Boston, Outward Bound staff are often able to join orientations and connect with students prior to their trips. There’s also a tradition of inviting Summer Search staff as well as students’ friends and families to end-of-course celebrations on the island. The sense of community that permeates this partnership is palpable!

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Appalachian Expeditions

NYC Summer Searchers have the chance to travel to West Virginia for two weeks and participate in backpacking, canoeing, or rafting in the largest free-flowing watershed in the eastern United States. Students learn essential outdoor and camping skills, navigate rapids and swimming holes, and explore the cultural and natural history of the region. 

From backcountry pizza to sleeping under the stars for the first time, Summer Searchers return buzzing from these trips and ready to tackle whatever school throws at them. After two weeks in the wilderness, they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and take on new challenges!

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Washington Business Week

Washington Business Week (WBW) provides immersive, real-world business and leadership programs. Summer Searchers from Seattle joined both WBW’s overnight and day programs this year, running simulated companies, learning from mentors, and gaining confidence in their leadership skills. In previous years, Summer Searchers have also participated in WBW’s Healthcare Pathway which gives students exposure to the business of healthcare. 

Executive Director Nick Quinlan reflected:

“Summer Searchers are some of our most excited campers. Joining from around the US, they bring a different perspective to our programs and a lot of excitement… Summer Search’s commitment to their students aligns perfectly with our own values, and it’s a partnership we’re thrilled to invest in for the long haul.”

And one Summer Searcher shared:

“I’ve learned things I’ll remember forever and met so many kinds of people that I admire and enjoy talking to.”

With a shared commitment to preparing young people for success, WBW and Summer Search are excited to continue expanding this partnership in the years ahead.

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Environmental Traveling Companions

Bay Area students embark on rafting and sea kayaking trips each summer with Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) and return reflecting on their new appreciation for nature, their personal growth, and the power of time spent outdoors. 

As a longtime partner, ETC doesn’t just lead trips, they show up for events like Prep in the Park to get Summer Searchers ready for their summer experiences. The depth and longevity of our partnership with ETC is truly special and means students have the best possible opportunities for growth and exploration.

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Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder

Through Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder, Summer Searchers from Philadelphia, NYC, and Seattle stepped into service-learning experiences on trips like the Costa Rica Cloud Forest, Costa Rica Sea Turtles, New Orleans Wetland Restoration, and Dartmouth Sustainable Farming programs. Whether protecting sea turtles, restoring wetlands, or practicing sustainable farming, students embraced the program’s model of ethics-based leadership.

Program Director Bill Cotter shared:

“I was amazed at how welcoming [the Summer Searchers] were to every person we met and also how engaged they were with the program. Our group stepped outside their comfort zone many times, but did so with a smile and a desire to fully engage. It is one of the most respectful, funny, and welcoming groups I have ever led.”

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Boston University Center for the Humanities

Summer Search students got a taste of college life through the Be Human pre-college program at Boston University, hosted by the BU Center for the Humanities and the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center.

For two weeks, students explored historic artifacts, engaged in deep discussions of literature and film, and wrestled with big questions about identity, history, and civic life.

Ugonna, a current Summer Searcher, reflected:

“I gained a deeper appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and the power of unity… But also what stood out most to me was the community, the professors, the staff that brought genuine care, passion and authenticity. This was more than just a program. It was an unforgettable experience.”

For Mitji, another student, the highlight was the simple joy of dorm life:

“Something I looked forward to was chilling at the dorms with my new friends. It made the experience even better.”

Our summer experience trips bring powerful learning on so many levels, but one of the most immediately applicable is the chance to try new things that may seem intimidating. For young people facing big choices about what comes next after graduation, the confidence they gain is invaluable

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From Boston Harbor to Costa Rica, and from college classrooms to business boardrooms, our Summer Experience Partners create transformative opportunities that help Summer Searchers see what’s possible for their futures. We are deeply grateful for their commitment, creativity, and care!

If you’re interested in becoming one of our incredible summer experiences partner, learn more at https://summersearch.org/summer-experience-partners/