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

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

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