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

Angel Munguia

Post-Secondary Mentor

Haren Nayagan

Board Member | Boston

Destynee Oakley

Program Operations Coordinator

Robert Okun

National Board Member

Charles Oliva

Philadelphia Board Member

Ayomide Olugbemi

High School Mentor

John Osterweis

National Trustee Emeritus

Maria Jose Padilla

Board Member | New York, Summer Search Alumna

Imani Palmer

Program Associate

Justin Pascale

Philadelphia Board Member

Liebe Patterson

National Trustee Emerita

Trisha Paulino

High School Mentor

Paola Pelletier-Ozuna

Boston Board Member

Julian Perez

Senior Post-Secondary Mentor

Diane Pham

Post- Secondary Mentor | Bay Area

Skaina Pierre

High School Mentor

Marie Pierre

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

Valerie Polanco

Senior Director of Development

Jonathan Pruzan

National Trustee Emeritus

Joseph Reed

Board Member | Alumni

Darlene Reid

School and Community Engagement Manager | Boston

Fred Rivera

Seattle Board Member

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

Yareni Sanchez

Board Member | Boston

Amanda Sayre

Managing Director of Operations

Jonathan Sears

Philadelphia Board Member

Christina Selby

Philadelphia Board Chair & National Board Member

Fernando Serrato

Career Program Manager

Saad Siddiqui

NYC Board Chair

Bobbi Silten

National Trustee Emerita

Sonika Singal

Bay Area Board Member

Jordan Singleton

Board Member | New York, Summer Search Alumnus

Colleen Skipper

Seattle Board Member

Gabby Slome

NY Board Member

Lily Smith

Career Program Manager (Boston)

Zavi Smith

Senior Program Manager

Matthew Smith

NY Board Member