We’re thrilled to celebrate a group of Summer Search Boston high school seniors who have already been accepted to college through early decision. From Boston to Los Angeles, New York to the Midwest, these students are heading to campuses across the country with the confidence, curiosity, and leadership they’ve built over the past three years participating in Summer Search.

We are so proud to shout out the following students for their early decision acceptances:

• Eason — Northeastern University
• Diana — Pomona College
• Tatiana — Mount Holyoke College
• Victoria — Johns Hopkins University
• Bonnie — Northeastern University
• Daniel — Boston University
• Ze-Mikeal — New York University
• MengYao — Boston College
• Edna – Emory University
• Maria — University of Southern California (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Alex — Cornell University (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Alejandra — Wellesley College (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Alex — Northwestern University (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Alicia — Boston University (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Joseph — Rice University (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Katelynn — Boston College (QuestBridge Scholar)
• Angel — Rutgers University (Posse Scholar)
• Noel — Bucknell University (Posse Scholar)
• Samantha — Bryn Mawr College (Posse Scholar)

Several of these students were selected as Posse or QuestBridge scholars. These are highly competitive national programs that connect high-achieving students with full-tuition or full-expense scholarships as well as peer scholar and alumni cohorts and other resources. These scholarships reflect the academic excellence and leadership these students have demonstrated throughout high school.

Behind every one of these early decision acceptances is hard work, determination, and a circle of support made up of peers, parents and guardians, and Summer Search mentors. One unique element of Summer Search’s program is that our support doesn’t stop at high school graduation. Our Post-Secondary Program means that these students have guidance as they take their next steps into college, technical school, career exploration, and adulthood in general.

Our Post-Secondary Program is designed to walk alongside students as they navigate life after high school. Participation involves:

• • • Monthly 1:1 professional mentoring
    • Monthly group mentoring with peers
    • Post-high school planning and college access support
    • Career readiness guidance and exploration

In Boston, this work is led by our dedicated post-secondary mentor team: Adriana Salse, Lariona Jacobs, Alexandra Martinez, and Michel-Lé Meranda, who will continue to support all of our post-secondary students long after the first day of college this fall.

Lariona reflects on what it’s like to support students during this exciting milestone:

“Hearing and seeing the excitement radiating from students as they receive their early decision acceptances is pure joy. In that moment, you can see the weight lift off their shoulders as they realize their hard work has paid off.

While the Boston Post-Secondary Team does not promote an early decision philosophy, we support students in making the choice that is right for them by helping them gather the information they need to make informed decisions. It has been a joy to walk alongside them throughout this journey, and I’m excited to continue supporting them all the way to move-in day.”

That ongoing support helps students feel prepared not just to arrive on campus, but to truly engage once they’re there. One example comes from Alex, who spent his summer participating in Boston University’s Be Human program. The experience offered an early glimpse into college life – academically, socially, and personally – before ever enrolling as a full-time student.

Reflecting on the program, Alex shared:

“My time in the BU: Be Human program has been the most memorable. The exchange of ideas on the table, visiting different museums around Boston, and even just being with my friends in the dining hall. I really cherish the little moments Summer Search gave me, like having one-on-one with mentors, which makes the whole experience feel so meaningful.”

That sense of confidence and readiness is echoed across this cohort.

Daniel, who is headed to Boston University this fall, shared how Summer Search helped him step outside his comfort zone:

“Summer Search has influenced my life to go beyond my comfort zone and to try to step up and be a leader wherever I go… I’m excited to go into the next step of life, and just start and be somewhere new.”

Other students are ready to tackle new adventures away from home because of the practice they’ve had with encountering new people and situations.

Ze-Mikeal, who will attend New York University, shared:

“I am so excited to explore the new [to me] city of New York. I will definitely try amazing food and find very niche thrift shops in the huge, diverse city.”

Early Decision is an exciting milestone, but it’s just the beginning. As these students prepare to graduate and step into their next chapters, they won’t be doing it alone. Summer Search has been built specifically to help them succeed not only in getting to college, but in thriving once they’re there.

We couldn’t be prouder of these students and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!