The following is a letter from Alex Jesus, Summer Search Marketing & Communications Coordinator and Boston alumnus.

From Inner City Boston to National Marketing & Communications Coordinator: My Summer Search Journey.

Hello to our cherished community, 

Today, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me to where I am today, and I wanted to take a moment to share that story with all of you. But more than that, I want to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support that has made it all possible. 

Growing up in the bustling heart of Boston’s inner city, I was surrounded by noise, chaos, and challenges that often made it difficult to imagine a different life for myself. The idea of being in a position of power and having the ability to make a real impact in the world felt like a distant, almost unreachable dream. 

But then, something incredible happened. Summer Search came into my life, entering with a patience and resoluteness that was both comforting and inspiring. The program reached out a helping hand, guiding me beyond the doubts and fears that had held me back, and helping me to see the potential that was within me all along. 

Alex Jesus on a summer experience at Longacre Leadership Camp in 2012.

Transformative Summers, Then and Now

Those first summers I spent with Summer Search were nothing short of transformative.

My experiences at Longacre Leadership Camp, combined with the Summer Search mentoring, didn’t just change my perspective or give me a temporary escape from my surroundings; they empowered me to take control of my life and my future, equipping me with the tools and the confidence I needed to overcome obstacles and reach for my dreams. 

This past August, I had the incredible privilege to participate in another transformative experience: attending the 2023 Summer Search Alumni Summit in Boston. Being surrounded by fellow alumni, each with their own unique story of triumph and growth, was an experience I will never forget. We laughed, we cried, and we shared our stories, each one a testament to the powerful impact that Summer Search can have on a young person’s life.

Today, I am proud and honored to serve as Summer Search’s National Marketing & Communications Coordinator. It’s a role that brings me immense joy and fulfillment, working in a place that truly embraces me, supports my beliefs, and gives me the chance to give back by uplifting more Summer Searcher stories. 

Check out the 2023 Alumni Summit recap video, edited and produced by Alex.

Your Commitment

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I share this story with you, because I know that none of it would have been possible without the generous support of donors like you.

Your commitment to supporting young people like me is what makes these incredible transformations possible. It’s what gives kids from challenging backgrounds, kids like the young Alex from Boston, a fighting chance to rise above their circumstances and reach for the stars. 

So, as I reflect on my journey and the incredible support that has brought me to where I am today, I am asking you to join me in continuing to build this legacy of empowerment and opportunity. Your donation will help to shape lives and futures, ensuring that more kids have the opportunity to experience the transformational power of Summer Search. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, and for being an integral part of this life-changing journey.

Alex at his college graduation in 2017.

Together, with your support, we are investing in boundless futures and more than 8,000 leaders, like Alex.