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.

Imani Palmer

Program Associate

Liebe Patterson

National Trustee Emerita

Marie Pierre

Bay Area Vice Chair, National Board Member, Summer Search Alumna

Samantha Pimentel

School and Community Engagement Coordinator

Jonathan Pruzan

National Trustee Emeritus

Joseph Reed

Alumni Board Member

Andrew Sagor

NY Board Member

Yareni Sanchez

Boston Board Member

Marie Schwartz

Boston Board Member

Jonathan Sears

Philadelphia Board Member

Christina Selby

Philadelphia Board Member

Jeff Shames

National Board Member

Saad Siddiqui

NYC Board Chair

Bobbi Silten

National Trustee Emerita

Sonika Singal

Bay Area Board Member

Jordan Singleton

NY Board Member, Summer Search Alumnus

Colleen Skipper

Seattle Board Member

Gabby Slome

NY Board Member

Matthew Smith

NY Board Member

Gavin Smith

Boston Board Member

Harold Speer

Seattle Board Member

Jamey Spencer

Bay Area Board Member

Fredericka (Fredi) Stevenson

Founding Boston Board Chair

Diana S. Strandberg

National Board Member

Rachel Tausend

Seattle Board Member

Jeff Teschke

Boston Board Member

Scott Thomas

NY Board Member

Graves Tompkins

National & NY Board Member

Gretel Tortolani

Bay Area Board Member

Erik Toth

Seattle Board Member

Joanna Travis

Boston Board Member

Jenny Tu

NY Board Member

Ryan Utsumi

Bay Area Board Member

Alisa Vitello

Seattle Board Member

Sharhea O. Wade

Boston Board Member. Summer Search Alumna

Naomi Waibel

Seattle Board Member

Mike Whalen

Philadelphia Board Member

Thomas Wheeler

NY Board Member

John White

NY Board Member

Amber Williams

National Board Member

Ted Williams

National Trustee Emeritus

Lynda Schweitzer Wood

Boston Board Member