Who We Are

Summer Search is a national nonprofit dedicated to igniting the potential of high school students from under-resourced communities.

Through long-term, fully funded support—including professional mentorship and transformative experiential learning—we equip young people with the skills, confidence, and networks to navigate life’s challenges, pursue higher education and career opportunities, and lead lives of purpose.

How We Make A Difference

Through professional mentorship and hands-on outdoor and experiential learning opportunities, we are closing the educational inequity and opportunity gap by empowering young people to lead lives of purpose and chart their own path to success.

Our Mission

Summer Search ignites students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences.

Our Vision

We envision a world where all young people, regardless of circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive and lead a life of purpose.

See our Impact

Each year, we grow together in reach, outcomes, and community.
Check out the milestones Summer Searchers are reaching and see the latest in our Annual Report and alumni survey.

of the Class of 2024 earned high school diplomas.

earned a Bachelor's Degree within

compared to 21% of their peers.

are employed within

of earning their highest degree.

Summer Searchers graduate with less than

* Compared to average borrowers between the ages of 25-34 years with an average debt of $33,260

Take Part in Our Mission

Take Part
in Our Mission

We’re always looking for passionate people who believe in the power of transforming students into young leaders.

If you’re ready to make an impact as part of our team while growing alongside a mission-driven program — we’d love to hear from you.

Behind every student is a dedicated team of staff, mentors, and community partners who believe in their potential and work tirelessly to provide the support they need to succeed.

Dr. Christina Joohee Cho, “Cho”

Community: Philadelphia

Executive Director

Kioka Abbott

Community: National Staff

Career Program Manager (New York/Philadelphia)

Anna May Abbott

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Enrique Abreu-Ramos

Community: New York

High School Mentor

Imtiaz Alam

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Justice Kamille Alford

Community: Bay Area

Bay Area Board Member, Summer Search Alumnus

Regina Allen

Community: National Staff

Senior Talent Manager

Elizabeth Allen

Community: New York

High School Mentor

Karthik Anbalagan

Community: Seattle

Seattle Board Member

Antoine Andrews

Community: National Board

National Board Member

Samir Arora

Community: New York

NY Board Member

Julia Barbano

Community: Bay Area

Program Coordinator

Jane Barker

Community: Seattle

Seattle Board Member

Eli Barnard

Community: Bay Area

Donor Relations Manager | Bay Area

Thomas C. Barry

Community: New York

NY Board Member

Alexandra Bartz

Community: National Staff

Director of Program Implementation

Abdelhak Belatreche

Community: National Alumni Council

Alumni Board Member

Cynthia Bengier

Community: National Trustees Emeriti

National Trustee Emerita

Sonemani Bitna

Community: Bay Area

Senior High School Program Mentor

Michael Blumstein

Community: New York

NY Board Member

David Bonn

Community: National Board

National Board Member

Cheryl Borgonia

Community: Seattle

Seattle Board Member

Scott Bower

Community: New York

NY Board Member

Shawn Bradley

Community: National Staff

Business Development Associate-Aon

Chakira Branch

Community: National Staff

Grant Writer

Maverick Breton

Community: New York

High School Mentor

Sherri Brooks

Community: National Staff

Director of Learning, Evaluation, and Engagement

Allison Brooks

Community: National Staff

Institutional Partnerships Manager

Larry Brotzge

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Lakiya Byers

Community: New York

Post Secondary Program Manager

Jaime Bzdyra

Community: Boston

Boston Board Member

Christine Capacillo

Community: National Staff

Regional Director of Alumni Engagement and Development

Liz Carey

Community: Bay Area

Senior High School Program Mentor

Jeannine Carter

Community: Bay Area

Bay Area Board Member

Muffy Castellano

Community: Philadelphia

Senior High School Mentor

Lillian Chang

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Angela Chen

Community: Bay Area

Director of Development, Bay Area

Amanda Cho

Community: Bay Area

Senior Summer Programs Manager

Erik C. Christoffersen

Community: National Board

National Board Member

Joe Clark

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Sharonda Clay

Community: National Staff

Director of Quality & Partnerships

Borah Coburn

Community: New York

High School Program Director