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”
Executive Director
Kioka Abbott
Career Program Manager (New York/Philadelphia)
Enrique Abreu-Ramos
Program Associate
Regina Allen
Senior Talent Manager
Elizabeth Allen
Program Associate
Julia Barbano
Program Coordinator
Eli Barnard
Donor Relations Manager | Bay Area
Alexandra Bartz
Director of Program Implementation
Sonemani Bitna
Senior Program Associate
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
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
Muffy Castellano
Senior Program Associate
Angela Chen
Director of Development, Bay Area
Amanda Cho
Senior Summer Programs Manager
Sharonda Clay
Director of Quality & Partnerships
Borah Coburn
High School Program Director
Dr. Natasha Conover
Regional Program Director
Alecia Cunningham
Senior Director of Development
Michael Davis
Senior Program Associate, Black and Indigenous Student Achievement
Kenyon DeVault
Executive Director
Tashi Diaz
Senior Summer Program Manager
Eunice Dunham
Chief of Talent
Seth James Ellis
Senior Director of Alumni & Business Relations
Dominique Ellis
High School Program Manager
Erica Erle
Director of Talent Operations
Adriana Espinal
Director of Programs
Anceline Eustache
Director of Programs | Philadelphia
Maria Farias
Summer Experiences Senior Manager
Cynthia Garcia
High School Program Coordinator
Yesenia Garcia-Fortuna
Executive Director
Imani Griffin
High School Program Manager | Boston
Bekah Holt
Evaluation and Data Systems Manager
Ashley Hudson
Program Associate
Darryl Huggins
Executive Director
Nick Hutchinson
COO & CFO
For Students
& Families
Learn more about how our program builds bright futures for students.
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