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

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.

Lariona Jacobs

Post-Secondary Program Manager

Ruby Kirby

Career Services Program Director

Jillian Lacey

Program Associate

Sam Larkan

Director of Development

Liz Lavoie

Donor Relations Manager

Shelby Lemons

Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager

Shelby Lewis

Manager of Development Data Systems

Austin Lim

Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

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

Summer Program Coordinator

Christina Manng

Director of Marketing & Development

Michael Marcus

Director of Data & Analytics

Alexandra Martinez

Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

Christy Mathurin

Director of Program Partnership

Melissa McLeod

National Director of Strategic Partnerships

Melany Cortes Mederos

Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

Brian Mertens

Regional Program Director

Theo Molloy

Director of Development | Philadelphia

Christian Moore

Workforce Manager

Amanda Moretz

Associate Director of Development

Janique Morrison

Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

Angel Munguia

Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

Destynee Oakley

Program Associate

Trisha Paulino

Program Associate

Julian Perez

Senior Post Secondary Program Coordinator

Sheakira Perry-West

Senior Program Manager

Skaina Pierre

Program Associate

Samantha Pimentel

School and Community Engagement Coordinator

Valerie Polanco

Senior Director of Development

Nancy Polio

Director of Regional Operations

Jaylin Prescott

Senior Program Operations Coordinator

Leeyan Redwood

School & Community Engagement Manager

Stephany Rodriguez

Career Navigator and Internship Manager

Gee Salas

Senior Post-Secondary Program Manager | Bay Area

Adriana Salse

Senior Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

Jocelyn Sanchez

Senior Post-Secondary Success Coordinator

Amanda Sayre

Associate VP Of Development

Fernando Serrato

Career Program Manager