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.

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

Take Part in Our Mission

Take Part
in Our Mission

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.

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.

Kioka Abbott

Career Program Manager (New York/Philadelphia)

Anna May Abbott

Philadelphia Board Member

Enrique Abreu-Ramos

Program Associate

Justice Kamille Alford

Bay Area Board Member, Summer Search Alumnus

Regina Allen

Senior Talent Manager

Elizabeth Allen

Program Associate

Antoine Andrews

National Board Member

Marie Angeles

Seattle Board Member, Summer Search Alumna

Samir Arora

NY Board Member

Harvey Ashman

Philadelphia Board Member

Julia Barbano

Program Coordinator

Jane Barker

Seattle Board Member

Eli Barnard

Donor Relations Manager | Bay Area

Thomas C. Barry

NY Board Member

Alexandra Bartz

Director of Program Implementation

Abdelhak Belatreche

Alumni Board Member

Cynthia Bengier

National Trustee Emerita

Sonemani Bitna

Senior Program Associate

Michael Blumstein

NY Board Member

David Bonn

National Board Member

Scott Bower

NY Board Member

Shawn Bradley

Career Navigator & Internship Manager

Chakira Branch

Grant Writer

Maverick Breton

Program Associate

Sherri Brooks

Director of Learning, Evaluation, and Engagement

Allison Brooks

Institutional Partnerships Manager

Larry Brotzge

Philadelphia Board Member

Lakiya Byers

Post Secondary Program Manager

Christine Capacillo

Regional Director of Alumni Engagement and Development

Liz Carey

Senior Program Associate

Jose Carrasco

Outreach and Program Manager

Jeannine Carter

Bay Area & National Board Member

Muffy Castellano

Senior Program Associate

Lillian Chang

Philadelphia Board Member

Amanda Cho

Senior Summer Programs Manager

Erik C. Christoffersen

National Board Member

Joe Clark

Philadelphia Board Member

Sharonda Clay

Director of Quality & Partnerships

Borah Coburn

High School Program Director

Bryan Colket

Philadelphia Board Member

Dr. Natasha Conover

Regional Program Director