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.

Experienced,
committed leadership
for under-resourced
students

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.

9,300+
Summer Searchers
and counting
since 1990

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.

99%

of the Class of 2024 earned high school diplomas.

60%

earned a Bachelor's Degree within

6 years

compared to 21% of their peers.

73%

are employed within

6 months

of earning their highest degree.

Summer Searchers graduate with less than

$20K

of debt.

* 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.

Experienced,
committed
leadership

Stephanie DiMarco

National Trustee Emerita

Eunice Dollette

High School Mentor

Jeff Dorigan

National Board Member

Ron Duncan

Bay Area Board Member

Eunice Dunham

Chief of Talent

Suzanne Eberhard

National Board Member

Janemarie Eichhorn

NY Board Member

KishaLynn Elliott

National Board Member, Summer Search Alumna

Dominique Ellis

High School Program Manager

Seth James Ellis

Senior Director of Business Development

Dana M. Emery

National Board Member

Erica Erle

Director of Talent Operations

Adriana Espinal

Director of Programs

Anceline Eustache

Director of Programs | Philadelphia

Ellen Fair

National Board Member

Joel Falcon

Alumni Board Member

Maria Farias

Summer Experiences Senior Manager

Tanya Freeman-Wisdom

Board Member | Boston

Cynthia Garcia

High School Program Manager

Yesenia Garcia-Fortuna

Executive Director

Ronald Germán

Board Member | Boston Summer Search Alumnus

Rodney Gillespie

Board Member| Philadelphia

Ben Greenfeld

Philadelphia Board Member

Imani Griffin

High School Program Manager | Boston

Jacqueline Hallo

Boston Board Member

Sally Hambrecht

National Trustee Emerita

John B. Harris

Board Member | New York

Neesha Hathi

National Board Member

Joe Hess

High School Mentor

Chris Hoehn-Saric

Board Member | Boston

Jessica Hogan

Philadelphia Board Member, Summer Search Alumna

Bekah Holt

Evaluation and Data Systems Manager

Ashley Hudson

High School Mentor

Jenni Humes

Board Member | New York

Nick Hutchinson

COO & CFO

Tony Huynh

Bay Area Board Member, Summer Search Alumnus

Lariona Jacobs

Post-Secondary Program Manager

Jeorgia Jahumpa

Post-Secondary Mentor

Melissa Johnson

Summer Search Seattle Executive Director

Thomas J. Cole, JR

Philadelphia Board Member

Teke Kelley

National Board Member