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
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”
Executive Director
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

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.





