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.

Stacey Thompson

Community: National Staff

Director Of Learning & Development

Graves Tompkins

Community: National Board

National & NY Board Member

Gretel Tortolani

Community: Bay Area

Bay Area Board Member

Erik Toth

Community: Seattle

Seattle Board Member

Jasmine Toussaint

Community: Boston

Regional Program Director

Jen Tribbet

Community: Bay Area

Senior Program Associate

Jenny Tu

Community: New York

NY Board Member

Ryan Utsumi

Community: Bay Area

Bay Area Board Member

Darlyne Vasquez

Community: New York

Post-Secondary Mentor

Hermese Velasquez

Community: National Staff

Chief Impact Officer

Lauren Vincent

Community: National Staff

Grant Writer

Alisa Vitello

Community: Seattle

Seattle Board Member

Sharhea O. Wade

Community: Boston

Boston Board Member. Summer Search Alumna

Naomi Waibel

Community: Seattle

Seattle Board Member

Kierra West

Community: Philadelphia

Post-Secondary Mentor

Mike Whalen

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Thomas Wheeler

Community: New York

NY Board Member

John White

Community: New York

NY Board Member

Amber Williams

Community: National Board

National Board Member

Ted Williams

Community: National Trustees Emeriti

National Trustee Emeritus

Lynda Schweitzer Wood

Community: Boston

Boston Board Member

Lauren Woody

Community: National Staff

Associate Director of Institutional Partnerships

Lisa Wright

Community: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Member

Orneno Wright-Threats

Community: Philadelphia

High School Mentor

Nina Yadava

Community: New York

NY Board Member

Melen Yemane

Community: National Alumni Council

Seattle Alumni Board Vice Chair