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PART 2:

SUMMER ADVENTURES OF A LIFETIME

4000 students

have gone on life changing experiences all over the world

31,795 mi

Hiked

16,215 mi

Paddled

33,330 ft

Climbed

27,795 hrs

Community Service

2,927 hrs

Study time

Students are awarded scholarships to participate in summer experiences after their sophomore and junior years of high school. These experiences are challenging and empowering. Many students describe these trips "life-changing".

Summer Experience

year 1

After their sophomore year in high school, students embark on an outdoor experience that usually involves a wilderness adventure.

Summer Experience

year 2

After their junior year in high school, students choose their own adventure. These experiences range from wilderness expeditions, to cultural and service trips, as well as career-related internships. 

Oh, The places you will go!

Many of our students have never traveled outside of their respective cities. Being in new environments can lead to new perspectives and growth. Some students describe it as having given them the space to contemplate their life's purpose in a new way.

See Our Summer Experience Partners

HOW MARIE'S SUMMER EXPERIENCE CHANGED HER

Click To Watch Her Story

FOR PARENTS

FAQs

What is a Summer Experience?

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.

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

When do Students go on Summer Experiences?

The summers after their sophomore and junior years in high school. 

Does this experience cost us anything?

No. The Summer Experiences are both fully-funded by Summer Search. 

 

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, 2003.

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 be virtual in the 2020/2021 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. There is no cost to participate in the Summer Search program.

READ MORE FAQS FOR PARENTS

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 for students to grow through new adventures.
  • 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.

Whats Next?

High School Program

Post-Secondary Program

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