Become a Summer Searcher

COMPLETE THE SEARCH.

Build the skills you need to succeed. 


Since 1990, more than 9,000 students and alumni have partnered with Summer Search.

>> Mentoring

>> Summer Experiences

>> Conquer Life After High School

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Apply for Summer Search


Let's go!

1

Our Communities

Summer Search partners with high schools and community based organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City.

Please check to see if we are working with your high school by selecting your location. If we are working with your school, reach out to the email listed on community page for more information.

2

Eligibility

To be eligible for Summer Search, you must be a sophomore attending a partner school, be Free And Reduced lunch-eligible and be born on or after August 1, 2006.

3

Attend an Information Session...If you like.

You will receive an invitation to a conversation about Summer Search.

If you did not receive one, you can still attend by connecting with the Summer Search staff member listed on your community page.

Though optional, these sessions are a great way to learn more!

4

Complete Your Application

When you're ready, you can complete an online application. Your parent or guardian will also review your application to support you in the process.

5

Attend an Interview or Welcome Conversation

During the interview or welcome conversation, you will meet our staff, share a bit about yourself, and learn more about our program.

6

The Journey

Someone from Summer Search will reach out to you a few weeks after completing your online application.

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 high schools and organizations 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.


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, 2006.



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 sign confirming you support their application to Summer Search. You'll also have a chance to update some of the information they entered about your household and income.



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

Student Benefits

  • Long term 1:1 and peer mentoring
  • Summer Experiences during Sophomore and Junior Year summers that are fully funded and proven growth opportunities.
  • Individualized post-secondary pathway exploration, financial aid advising and financial capability coaching
  • Consistent community of support for 7-9 years, from high school all the way through participants’ launching their careers - including access to nationwide alumni network.