Last July, Summer Search traveled to Jackson Hole to deepen relationships, learn from local leaders, and explore a shared question: How can the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Grand Teton National Park, and the Jackson Hole community become a national gateway for transformative experiences for young people who might not otherwise have access to places like this?

Over two days, we gathered with community members, nonprofit leaders, and longtime Summer Search supporters to imagine what could be possible when organizations come together around a shared commitment to young people.

A Leadership Conversation Rooted in Possibility

On July 22, Summer Search and Teton Science Schools, one of our longest-standing summer experience partners, convened a small group of leaders from Summer Search, Teton Science Schools, Coombs Outdoors, and Grand Teton National Park for an informal lunch conversation.

The group brought a wide range of perspectives and a shared belief in the value of learning beyond the four walls of a classroom. Together, participants explored how the region’s extraordinary natural environment, local institutions, and community partnerships could create new pathways for young people to learn, grow, and see new possibilities for their futures.

The conversation surfaced several opportunities worth continuing to explore, including:

• Combining outdoor learning with internships, seasonal employment, career exposure, and other work-based learning opportunities
• Creating pathways for students to earn academic credit
• Expanding programming into additional seasons, including winter experiences
• Connecting Summer Search students with regional partners beyond Jackson Hole
• Learning from this summer’s pilot and identifying what should be strengthened or carried forward
• Exploring training, convening, AmeriCorps, and longer-term service or career pathways

Participants were also energized by the longstanding partnership between Teton Science Schools and Grand Teton National Park, as well as the opportunity presented by the park’s 100th anniversary in 2029.

The lunch left us inspired by both the possibilities ahead and the depth of experience around the table. It also reinforced something central to Summer Search’s work: transformative experiences are most powerful when they are supported by strong relationships, thoughtful preparation, and a community committed to helping young people thrive.

That spirit of partnership carried into the following evening’s gathering. For years, Teton Science Schools has helped Summer Search students discover new strengths, build confidence, and see themselves in new ways through immersive summer experiences. As we look to the future, we’re excited to build on that foundation and explore what’s possible together.

An Evening with Summer Search

The following evening, Summer Search National Board Members Diana Strandberg and Dana Emery graciously co-hosted an intimate gathering at Diana’s home. The event brought together fewer than 40 guests to learn more about Summer Search, hear directly from our community, and explore the opportunities ahead in Jackson Hole.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came from Summer Search alumna Bridgette Depay, who reflected on how her Summer Search mentors and her experience at Teton Science Schools helped shape her confidence and willingness to take risks.

 “Where my Summer Search mentors had done the difficult work of prepping me to be open to new experiences, the Teton Science Schools went the extra mile to fully immerse me in an experience so meaningful that I was a changed Bridgette when I got back home. I went from being skeptical about my ability to navigate the great outdoors and build rapport with people with whom I didn’t share history to loving adventure, taking more personal risks, and being more confident in my relationships.”

Bridgette’s story brought to life what becomes possible when young people are given meaningful opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and build relationships with caring adults who believe in them.

It was especially meaningful to connect with guests who already understood the power of Teton Science Schools through their own families and experiences. Their enthusiasm reflected the strong foundation that exists for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.

Looking Ahead

Summer Search is excited to continue building relationships across the Jackson Hole community and to deepen partnerships with organizations like Teton Science Schools.

Together, we see the potential to create more opportunities for young people to experience the outdoors, explore careers, build confidence, and grow into the leaders our communities need.

Our time in Jackson Hole was an important beginning. We left inspired by the generosity, curiosity, and commitment of the people we met, and eager to keep the conversation moving forward.

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Our vision is to triple the number of Summer Search students who experience Teton Science Schools, ensuring many more young people have the opportunity to learn, lead, and grow in one of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.

If you’d like to help make that vision possible, we invite you to support the expansion of this partnership: https://summersearch.org/jackson-hole-donate/