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
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.
Valerie Polanco
Community: New York
Senior Director of Development
Jaylin Prescott
Community: National Alumni Council
Senior Program Operations Coordinator
Jonathan Pruzan
Community: National Trustees Emeriti
National Trustee Emeritus
Ursulina Ramirez
Community: National Staff
CEO
Leeyan Redwood
Community: Boston
School & Community Engagement Manager
Joseph Reed
Community: National Alumni Council
Alumni Board Member
Fred Rivera
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Stephany Rodriguez
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Nico Rubin
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Andrew Sagor
Community: New York
NY Board Member
Gee Salas
Community: Bay Area
Senior Post-Secondary Program Manager | Bay Area
Adriana Salse
Community: Boston
Senior Post-Secondary Mentor
Jocelyn Sanchez
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Yareni Sanchez
Community: Boston
Boston Board Member
Amanda Sayre
Community: National Staff
Associate VP Of Development
Jonathan Sears
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Christina Selby
Community: National Board
Philadelphia Board Chair & National Board Member
Fernando Serrato
Community: National Staff
Career Program Manager
Saad Siddiqui
Community: National Board
NYC Board Chair
Bobbi Silten
Community: National Trustees Emeriti
National Trustee Emerita
Sonika Singal
Community: Bay Area
Bay Area Board Member
Jordan Singleton
Community: New York
NY Board Member, Summer Search Alumnus
Colleen Skipper
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Gabby Slome
Community: New York
NY Board Member
Catherine Smith
Community: New York
High School Mentor
Lily Smith
Community: National Staff
Career Program Manager (Boston)
Zavi Smith
Community: Bay Area
Senior Program Manager
Matthew Smith
Community: New York
NY Board Member
Gavin Smith
Community: Boston
Boston Board Member
Bryan Snellman
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Carly Solberg
Community: Bay Area
Senior High School Program Mentor
Harold Speer
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Jamey Spencer
Community: Bay Area
Bay Area Board Member
Sylvia Starks
Community: National Staff
Accounts Payable Specialist
Julia Staron
Community: Boston
High School Mentor
Bill Stedman
Community: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Board Member
Fredericka (Fredi) Stevenson
Community: Boston
Founding Boston Board Chair
Diana S. Strandberg
Community: National Board
National Board Member
Megan Sussman
Community: National Staff
Chief Advancement Officer
Stephanie Tafur
Community: National Staff
Chief of Staff
Rachel Tausend
Community: Seattle
Seattle Board Member
Kiana Taylor
Community: New York
High School Mentor

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.





