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.

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