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
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.
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
Ursulina Ramirez
CEO
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

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.





