Summer Search is a year-round program that empowers young people to confidently pursue their vision of success during and after high school through mentoring, summer experiential learning opportunities, and post-secondary and career supports. We believe that all young people should have the support to pursue their purpose and secure their financial futures. Starting in sophomore year, students will be paired with a staff mentor and a group of peers for regular conversations where they will work together on building social emotional and leadership skills and exploring college and career options after high school. Students will receive support from our community as they journeys from high school through to launching their career.

Sophomores who attend one of our partner schools (or are affiliated with one of our partners) and who meet our eligibility guidelines can apply to Summer Search. To be eligible for Summer Search, prospective students must be sophomores from a partner school and qualify for Free and Reduced lunch.

No! Through the generosity of the Summer Search community, Summer Search is fully-funded (aka: free!).

Ready to become a Summer Searcher? Click here!

Summer Search mentors are full-time, paid professional staff who are trained in social-emotional learning, critical consciousness development, college and career advising and trauma-sensitive practices. Summer Search mentors are unique in their backgrounds and skills coming into Summer Search. Some have previously worked as admissions counselors and others have worked with wilderness programs. Summer Search staff are united in their ability to see and center the strengths and voice of Summer Search students. All staff complete a background check before they are hired.

Summer Search participants are awarded scholarships to participate in summer experiences after their sophomore and junior years. These experiences are opportunities for growth and connection that are both challenging and empowering. Traditionally, during the first summer, Summer Searchers go on a 2-3 week outdoor adventure in their home state or another state. Backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, and many fun connecting activities are some of the most common adventures that our students experience. To ensure the safety of all participants, Summer Search does not operate the summer experiences directly. Instead, we partner closely with the best professionals in the field who are specifically trained to lead summer programs for youth. We provide parents/families and students information about the program they will attend and be available to answer all questions about it.

Summer Search participants are awarded scholarships to participate in summer experiences after their sophomore and junior years. These experiences are opportunities for growth and connection that are both challenging and empowering. Traditionally during the first summer, Summer Searchers go on a 2-3 week outdoor adventure in their home state or another state. Backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, cycling, and sailing are some of the most common adventures that our students experience. The second summer is typically a cultural immersion/service (in the United States or abroad) experience, an academic program, or internship/career opportunity. Parents/guardians and participants will always have a choice about whether to participate in a summer experience.

Summer Search staff will partner with students to find a good fit college (or explore an alternative pathway like technical school) and provide support in navigating the process of securing financial aid and scholarships to make college as affordable as possible. We take an individualized approach to advising participants on their post-secondary pathway to ensure that we are supporting each individual student’s goals and aspirations. The majority of Summer Searchers are graduating college with <$20,000 of debt as compared to borrowers between the ages of 25-34 with an average debt of $33,260.

Your student will join the Summer Search community and will have access to a national network of staff, alumni, board and corporate partners for professional development opportunities including career-based coaching, job shadow days, internship and job postings. These opportunities are offered via a private portal, Summer Search CONNECT, which your student will be invited to join.

The power of this program comes from the combination of the depth of support provided by Summer Search and the mutual investment made by each young person in our program. Initially to enroll in the program, students and their parent/guardian will be asked to complete an application which includes providing information about your family’s financial picture. Once a student is accepted into the program, parents will be invited to talk with their student’s mentor over the phone, review materials about the program in your preferred language, and attend an orientation to share more details and answer questions. There are other opportunities for parents/guardians to connect with their student's mentor through the program, including attending events and meetings. There is no cost to participate in the Summer Search program.

For more information, please reach out to Brian Mertens at bmertens@summersearch.org