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)
Enrique Abreu-Ramos
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Regina Allen
Community: National Staff
Senior Talent Manager
Elizabeth Allen
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Julia Barbano
Community: Bay Area
Program Coordinator
Eli Barnard
Community: Bay Area
Donor Relations Manager | Bay Area
Alexandra Bartz
Community: National Staff
Director of Program Implementation
Sonemani Bitna
Community: Bay Area
Senior High School Program Mentor
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
Lakiya Byers
Community: New York
Post Secondary Program Manager
Christine Capacillo
Community: National Staff
Regional Director of Alumni Engagement and Development
Liz Carey
Community: Bay Area
Senior High School Program Mentor
Muffy Castellano
Community: Philadelphia
Senior High School Mentor
Angela Chen
Community: Bay Area
Director of Development, Bay Area
Amanda Cho
Community: Bay Area
Senior Summer Programs Manager
Sharonda Clay
Community: National Staff
Director of Quality & Partnerships
Borah Coburn
Community: New York
High School Program Director
Dr. Natasha Conover
Community: New York
Regional Program Director
Alecia Cunningham
Community: Seattle
Senior Director of Development
Michael Davis
Community: Seattle
Senior High School Mentor, Black and Indigenous Student Achievement
Kenyon DeVault
Community: Bay Area
Executive Director
Tashi Diaz
Community: New York
Senior Summer Program Manager
Eunice Dollette
Community: Boston
High School Mentor
Eunice Dunham
Community: National Staff
Chief of Talent
Seth James Ellis
Community: National Staff
Senior Director of Alumni & Business Relations
Dominique Ellis
Community: Boston
High School Program Manager
Erica Erle
Community: National Staff
Director of Talent Operations
Adriana Espinal
Community: Boston
Director of Programs
Anceline Eustache
Community: Philadelphia
Director of Programs | Philadelphia
Maria Farias
Community: Boston
Summer Experiences Senior Manager
Deyna Francisco
Community: Boston
High School Mentor
Cynthia Garcia
Community: New York
High School Program Manager
Yesenia Garcia-Fortuna
Community: New York
Executive Director
Imani Griffin
Community: Boston
High School Program Manager | Boston
Bekah Holt
Community: National Staff
Evaluation and Data Systems Manager
Ashley Hudson
Community: Boston
High School Mentor
Nick Hutchinson
Community: National Staff
COO & CFO

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.





