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
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.
Experienced,
committed
leadership
Liz Lavoie
Donor Relations Manager | Boston
Shelby Lemons
Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager
Jeff Lewis
Director of Programs
Shelby Lewis
Manager of Development Data Systems
Austin Lim
Post-Secondary Mentor
Kristie Loftus
Managing Director of Development
Becks Loo
Donor Communications & Events Manager
Melanie Lyons
Learning & Development Partner, Talent Team
Libby Magalhaes
Director of Program Operations
Reyana Maguad
Senior Program Operations Coordinator | Bay Area
Christina Manng
Director of Marketing & Development
Melissa McLeod
National Director of Strategic Partnerships
Melany Cortes Mederos
Post-Secondary Mentor
Michel-Lé Meranda
Post-Secondary Mentor
Brian Mertens
Regional Program Director
Theo Molloy
Director of Development | Philadelphia
Wanda Montañez
Managing Director of Programs
Christian Moore
Workforce Manager
Angel Munguia
Post-Secondary Mentor
Destynee Oakley
Program Operations Coordinator
Ayomide Olugbemi
High School Mentor
Trisha Paulino
High School Mentor
Julian Perez
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
Diane Pham
Post- Secondary Mentor | Bay Area
Skaina Pierre
High School Mentor
Valerie Polanco
Senior Director of Development
Ursulina Ramirez
CEO
Darlene Reid
School and Community Engagement Manager | Boston
Stephany Rodriguez
Lead Business Development Associate-Aon
Nico Rubin
High School Mentor
Gee Salas
Senior Post-Secondary Program Manager | Bay Area
Adriana Salse
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
Jocelyn Sanchez
Lead Business Development Associate-Aon
Amanda Sayre
Managing Director of Operations
Fernando Serrato
Career Program Manager
Zavi Smith
Senior Program Manager
Lily Smith
Career Program Manager (Boston)
Carly Solberg
Outreach and Program Manager
Sylvia Starks
Accounts Payable Specialist
Julia Staron
High School Mentor
Megan Sussman
Chief Advancement Officer
Stephanie Tafur
Chief of Staff

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.





