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8,000 unstoppable young people

long-term, 7+ year commitment

For 30 years we have been breaking down barriers and fighting for equity for young people of color through our intensive, multi-year process to lead their families and communities to thrive.

Mentoring + 

Experiences + 

Post-Secondary Advising + 

Career Supports = 

8,000 YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE UNSTOPPABLE

TRAINed Mentors make a difference

Our mentors are skilled youth development practitioners who partner with students to learn and grow from their lived experiences through cycles of action and reflection.  

95% said their mentor helped them set and pursue goals.

99% of Summer Searchers said their mentor encouraged them to 
believe in themselves.

99% said their mentor supported their success in school.

94% said their mentor shared life lessons and values.

Graduating from College on time and with less debt

Summer Searchers graduate at rates three times their first-generation peers also from low-income communities.

66%

of our students earn a bachelor’s degree compared to 21% of their peers.

91%

of participants are or will be the first in their families to attend college.

71%

of our students graduate within 4 years, more than twice the national average.

97%

of our high school seniors were accepted to college.

STarting great careers

We believe our world is better off when everyone can discover their purpose. We support our students in discovering their purpose – namely, what drives them individually and what they intend to contribute to society. Providing one individual with holistic support creates generational outcome changes and have a ripple effect into broader society. 

The most commonly reported
income bracket for alumni is
$50,000 to $80,000.

86% enter the workforce within six months of degree completion

Living a Purposeful Life

We believe our world is better off when everyone can discover their purpose. Our mentorships, workshops, summer experiences, and personal development programs aim to help Summer Searchers take a reflective approach to their lives. This results in more conscious, empathetic, and self-assured leaders, ready to thrive in all areas of life. 

82%

of alumni are always looking to find their life's purpose.

80%

feel 'optimistic' about future job opportunities, compared to the national average of 65%

Compared to a national sample of adults in the U.S., alumni were 3× more likely to report responses on a measure of emotional, social, and psychological well-being consistent with ‘flourishing.’

What Makes us Different

  • Our mentors are skilled youth development practitioners who partner with students.
  • We partner with our participants to support them in discovering their purpose – namely, what drives them individually and what they intend to contribute to society. 
  • Running anything for 30+ years is a challenging feat. Our longevity has taught us many lessons about how best to partner with low-income and first-generation students.
  • We're long-term focused, multi-faceted, and culturally aware. 
    Unlike many other programs, our mentors are paid staff members who receive intense, holistic training. They are integral to our impact. We take mentorship seriously. 
    We are student-focused. This means we don't dictate outcomes. Our students define what success means to them according to their own goals.
  • The longevity of our program means young people who face systemic obstacles can rely on the foundation of a community who is committed to their success.
Our Model
Our Approach
More About Us

far reaching impact

influencing school policy 

inspiring new social justice ventures

partnerships creating bright futures