Who We Are
Summer Search is a national nonprofit dedicated to igniting the potential of high school students from under-resourced communities.
Through long-term, fully funded support—including professional mentorship and transformative experiential learning—we equip young people with the skills, confidence, and networks to navigate life’s challenges, pursue higher education and career opportunities, and lead lives of purpose.

How We Make A Difference
Through professional mentorship and hands-on outdoor and experiential learning opportunities, we are closing the educational inequity and opportunity gap by empowering young people to lead lives of purpose and chart their own path to success.
Our Mission
Summer Search ignites students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences.
Our Vision
We envision a world where all young people, regardless of circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive and lead a life of purpose.
See our Impact
Each year, we grow together in reach, outcomes, and community.
Check out the milestones Summer Searchers are reaching and see the latest in our Annual Report and alumni survey.
of the Class of 2024 earned high school diplomas.
earned a Bachelor's Degree within
compared to 21% of their peers.
are employed within
of earning their highest degree.
Summer Searchers graduate with less than
* Compared to average borrowers between the ages of 25-34 years with an average debt of $33,260
We’re always looking for passionate people who believe in the power of transforming students into young leaders.
If you’re ready to make an impact as part of our team while growing alongside a mission-driven program — we’d love to hear from you.
Our People
Behind every student is a dedicated team of staff, mentors, and community partners who believe in their potential and work tirelessly to provide the support they need to succeed.
Dr. Christina Joohee Cho, “Cho”
Community: Philadelphia
Executive Director
Kioka Abbott
Community: National Staff
Career Program Manager (New York/Philadelphia)
Anna May Abbott
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Enrique Abreu-Ramos
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Imtiaz Alam
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Justice Kamille Alford
Community: Bay Area
Bay Area Board Member, Summer Search Alumnus
Regina Allen
Community: National Staff
Senior Talent Manager
Elizabeth Allen
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Karthik Anbalagan
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Antoine Andrews
Community: National Board
National Board Member
Samir Arora
Community: New York
NY Board Member
Julia Barbano
Community: Bay Area
Program Coordinator
Jane Barker
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Eli Barnard
Community: Bay Area
Donor Relations Manager | Bay Area
Thomas C. Barry
Community: New York
NY Board Member
Alexandra Bartz
Community: National Staff
Director of Program Implementation
Abdelhak Belatreche
Community: National Alumni Council
Alumni Board Member
Cynthia Bengier
Community: National Trustees Emeriti
National Trustee Emerita
Sonemani Bitna
Community: Bay Area
Senior High School Program Mentor
Michael Blumstein
Community: New York
NY Board Member
David Bonn
Community: National Board
National Board Member
Cheryl Borgonia
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Scott Bower
Community: New York
NY Board Member
Shawn Bradley
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Chakira Branch
Community: National Staff
Grant Writer
Maverick Breton
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Sherri Brooks
Community: National Staff
Director of Learning, Evaluation, and Engagement
Allison Brooks
Community: National Staff
Institutional Partnerships Manager
Larry Brotzge
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Lakiya Byers
Community: New York
Post Secondary Program Manager
Jaime Bzdyra
Community: Boston
Boston Board Member
Christine Capacillo
Community: National Staff
Regional Director of Alumni Engagement and Development
Liz Carey
Community: Bay Area
Senior High School Program Mentor
Jeannine Carter
Community: Bay Area
Bay Area Board Member
Muffy Castellano
Community: Philadelphia
Senior High School Mentor
Lillian Chang
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Angela Chen
Community: Bay Area
Director of Development, Bay Area
Amanda Cho
Community: Bay Area
Senior Summer Programs Manager
Erik C. Christoffersen
Community: National Board
National Board Member
Joe Clark
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Sharonda Clay
Community: National Staff
Director of Quality & Partnerships
Borah Coburn
Community: New York
High School Program Director

For Students
& Families
Learn more about how our program builds bright futures for students.

Become a Donor
Join us in creating lasting change helping students thrive and lead with purpose.

Partner with us
Make an impact for the next generation of community leaders with experience and opportunities that lead to success.





