IT ALL STARTS IN

HIGH SCHOOL

Carve your place in the world.

You have the talent and inner strength to carve your place in the world. To discover your purpose and forge a path to the future of your dreams. We are here to partner with you on this journey – connecting you to a community of support and expansive opportunities.

High School Trek

Join us for an incredible 7-9 year journey.

MENTORSHIP (1-on-1 and Group)

At the Start

Starting as sophomores, Summer Search students are paired with a professional staff mentor for 1-on-1 mentoring conversations. You’ll also participate in group mentoring sessions where students meet with their mentor and a group of fellow high school peers.

Sophomore Year

In these student-led conversations and group mentoring sessions, you'll engage in activities, reflection, and discussion to support identity development, career exploration, financial literacy, and other practical skill development.

SUMMER EXPERIENCES

Summer #1

Summer Search students are awarded scholarships to participate in summer experiences after your sophomore and junior years. These are opportunities for growth and connection that are both challenging and empowering. Prepare to get out of your comfort zone. And...We have tons of fun!

Summer #2

Your second summer experience will range from wilderness expeditions, to cultural and service trips, as well as academic or career-related programs. You'll partner with your mentor to decide which opportunities best fit your interests and aspirations.

GO SEE THE WORLD!

POST-SECONDARY ADVISING

Senior Year

So, what do you want to do after high school? Partner with us to navigate toward your post-secondary dreams. This could mean going to college, taking a gap year, starting a trade, business, or other adventure. We're here to help guide you.

Graduation

You graduated! Let's celebrate! Next, Summer Searchers explore many different post-high-school pathways and receive individualized support, financial aid advising, and college/career guidance as you determine which path is best for you and your goals.

WAY TO GO, GRADUATE!

Student Stories

—Ren

Summer Search Student

"Trusting my mentor made me feel like I can change the world. It made me realize that I needed people who have my back as much as I have theirs. She is part of my chosen family, one of the people that I can turn to."

—Feven

Summer search alumna

"I discovered that Summer Search didn’t just care about my academics, they also cared about what type of person I am, what I value, and what I want to do."

—Wade

Summer search boston

"Because of Summer Search, my world has expanded, and I see the many possibilities ahead of me."

FOR PARENTS

FAQs

What is Summer Search?

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, individualized college & post-secondary advising, 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, your student 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. Your student will receive support from our community for 7-9 years as your student journeys from high school through to launching their career.

Where does Summer Search work?

We partner with more than 90 high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Philadelphia, Boston and New York city. Please visit our school partner page to learn whether Summer Search is working with your student’s high school.

See Our School Partners

How much does Summer Search cost?

There is no cost to participate in the Summer Search program.

How does Summer Search select participants?

Sophomores who attend one of our partner schools (or are connected 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, be Free and Reduced lunch-eligible and be born on or after August 1, 2004.

Your student will be invited to complete an online application linked to the Summer Search website.

Once they complete their part of the application, you’ll receive an email invitation to review their application and complete some additional information about yourself and your household in your preferred language. This step may include providing income verification.

Your student will participate in an interview or welcome conversation with Summer Search to get to more information about the program and meet some of our staff to help your student decide whether to enroll in our program.

What is the commitment from participants and their families?

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 you and your student will be asked to complete an application which includes providing information about your family’s financial picture.

Once your student is accepted into the program, you will be invited to talk with your child’s mentor over the phone, review materials about the program in your preferred language and attend an orientation (which will mostly be virtual in the 2021/2022 school year) to share more details and answer questions.

There are other opportunities to connect with your child’s mentor and post-secondary advisor through the program, including attending events and meetings.