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.
Lariona Jacobs
Community: Boston
Post-Secondary Program Manager
Ruby Kirby
Community: National Staff
Career Services Program Director
Jillian Lacey
Community: Philadelphia
Program Operations Coordinator
Sam Larkan
Community: Boston
Director of Development
Liz Lavoie
Community: Boston
Donor Relations Manager
Shelby Lemons
Community: National Staff
Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager
Shelby Lewis
Community: National Staff
Manager of Development Data Systems
Austin Lim
Community: Bay Area
Post-Secondary Mentor
Christy Mathurin, LMSW
Community: New York
Director of Program Partnership
Kristie Loftus
Community: National Staff
Managing Director of Development
Becks Loo
Community: National Staff
Donor Communications & Events Manager
Melanie Lyons
Community: National Staff
Learning & Development Partner, Talent Team
Libby Magalhaes
Community: Boston
Director of Program Operations
Reyana Maguad
Community: Bay Area
Summer Program Coordinator
Christina Manng
Community: National Staff
Director of Marketing & Development
Michael Marcus
Community: National Staff
Director of Data & Analytics
Alexandra Martinez
Community: Boston
Post-Secondary Mentor
Melissa McLeod
Community: National Staff
National Director of Strategic Partnerships
Melany Cortes Mederos
Community: Bay Area
Post-Secondary Mentor
Michel-Lé Meranda
Community: Boston
Post-Secondary Mentor
Brian Mertens
Community: Bay Area
Regional Program Director
Theo Molloy
Community: Philadelphia
Director of Development | Philadelphia
Christian Moore
Community: National Staff
Workforce Manager
Amanda Moretz
Community: New York
Associate Director of Development
Janique Morrison
Community: New York
Post-Secondary Mentor
Angel Munguia
Community: Seattle
Post-Secondary Mentor
Destynee Oakley
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Ayomide Olugbemi
Community: Boston
High School Mentor
Trisha Paulino
Community: Seattle
High School Mentor
Julian Perez
Community: New York
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
Sheakira Perry-West
Community: New York
Senior High School Program Manager
Skaina Pierre
Community: Boston
High School Mentor
Samantha Pimentel
Community: National Alumni Council
School and Community Engagement Coordinator
Valerie Polanco
Community: New York
Senior Director of Development
Jaylin Prescott
Community: National Alumni Council
Senior Program Operations Coordinator
Ursulina Ramirez
Community: National Staff
CEO
Leeyan Redwood
Community: Boston
School & Community Engagement Manager
Stephany Rodriguez
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Nico Rubin
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Gee Salas
Community: Bay Area
Senior Post-Secondary Program Manager | Bay Area
Adriana Salse
Community: Boston
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
Jocelyn Sanchez
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon

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.





