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

Samuel Kibirige

Alumni Board Member

Brian Kinney

Boston Board Chair

Ruby Kirby

Career Services Program Director

Pooja Kohl

Bay Area Board Member

Christine Komola

Board Member | Boston

Sasha Kovriga

National Trustee Emeritus

Todd Krieger

Bay Area Board Member

Lauren Kriegler

Seattle Board Member

Jillian Lacey

Program Operations Coordinator

Komal Lahiri

Bay Area Board Member

Sam Larkan

Director of Development

Elizabeth Laughlin

National & Seattle Board Member

Liz Lavoie

Donor Relations Manager | Boston

Jean Lee

National Board Chair & Seattle Board Member

Pamela Lehrer

National & Philadelphia Board Member

Bibiana Leite

National Board Member

Shelby Lemons

Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager

Shelby Lewis

Manager of Development Data Systems

Jeff Lewis

Director of Programs

Austin Lim

Post-Secondary Mentor

Hilary Lindemann

Board Member | New York

Kristie Loftus

Managing Director of Development

Becks Loo

Donor Communications & Events Manager

Melanie Lyons

Learning & Development Partner, Talent Team

Tom Lyons

Bay Area Board Co-Chair

Christina MacDonald

Seattle Board Chair & National Board Member

Libby Magalhaes

Director of Program Operations

Reyana Maguad

Senior Program Operations Coordinator | Bay Area

Christina Manng

Director of Marketing & Development

Jennifer Mantini

Board Member | Philadelphia

Beth Maury

Board Member | Boston

Amelia Hadi McKibben

Bay Area Board Member

Melissa McLeod

National Director of Strategic Partnerships

Melany Cortes Mederos

Post-Secondary Mentor

Michel-Lé Meranda

Post-Secondary Mentor

Brian Mertens

Regional Program Director

Jim Milligan

National Trustee Emeritus

Theo Molloy

Director of Development | Philadelphia

Emmie Monsein

Board Member | Boston

Wanda Montañez

Managing Director of Programs

Christian Moore

Workforce Manager

Linda Mornell

Founder, National Trustee Emerita