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
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.
Nuestra gente
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.
Jillian Lacey
Program Operations Coordinator
Sam Larkan
Director of Development
Liz Lavoie
Donor Relations Manager
limones shelby
Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager
Shelby Lewis
Manager of Development Data Systems
Austin Lim
Post-Secondary Mentor
Christy Mathurin, LMSW
Director of Program Partnership
Kristie Loftus
Managing Director of Development
Becks Loo
Donor Communications & Events Manager
Melanie Lyons
Learning & Development Partner, Talent Team
Libby Magalhaes
Director of Program Operations
Reyana Maguad
Senior Program Operations Coordinator | Bay Area
Cristina Mang
Director of Marketing & Development
Michael Marcus
Director of Data & Analytics
Alexandra Martinez
Post-Secondary Mentor
Melissa McLeod
National Director of Strategic Partnerships
Melany Cortés Mederos
Post-Secondary Mentor
Michel-Lé Meranda
Post-Secondary Mentor
Brian Mertens
Regional Program Director
Theo Molloy
Director of Development | Philadelphia
Wanda Montañez
Managing Director of Programs
Christian Moore
Workforce Manager
Amanda Moretz
Associate Director of Development
Janique Morrison
Post-Secondary Mentor
Angel Munguia
Post-Secondary Mentor
Destyne Oakley
High School Mentor
Ayomide Olugbemi
High School Mentor
Trisha Paulino
High School Mentor
Julián Pérez
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
Sheakira Perry-West
Senior High School Program Manager
Pierre Skaina
High School Mentor
Samanta Pimentel
School and Community Engagement Coordinator
Valerie Polanco
Senior Director of Development
Jaylin Prescott
Senior Program Operations Coordinator
Ursulina Ramírez
CEO
Estefanía Rodríguez
Business Development Associate-Aon
Nico Rubin
High School Mentor
Gee Salas
Senior Post-Secondary Program Manager | Bay Area
Adriana Salsé
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
jocelyn sanchez
Business Development Associate-Aon
Amanda Sayre
Managing Director of Operations
Fernando Serrato
Career Program Manager
For Students
& Families
Learn more about how our program builds bright futures for students.
Become a Donor
Join us in creating lasting change helping students thrive and lead with purpose.
Partner with us
Make an impact for the next generation of community leaders with experience and opportunities that lead to success.