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.
Dr. Christina Joohee Cho, “Cho”
Executive Director
Elizabeth Allen
High School Mentor
Julia Barbano
Program Coordinator
Eli Barnard
Donor Relations Manager | Bay Area
Sonemani Bitna
Senior High School Program Mentor
Maverick Breton
High School Mentor
Lakiya Byers
Post Secondary Program Manager
Liz Carey
Senior High School Program Mentor
Muffy Castellano
Senior High School Mentor
Angela Chen
Director of Development, Bay Area
Amanda Cho
Senior Summer Programs Manager
Borah Coburn
High School Program Director
Dr. Natasha Conover
Regional Program Director
Alecia Cunningham
Senior Director of Development
Michael Davis
Senior High School Mentor, Black and Indigenous Student Achievement
Kenyon DeVault
Executive Director
Tashi Diaz
Senior Summer Program Manager
Eunice Dollette
High School Mentor
Dominique Ellis
High School Program Manager
Adriana Espinal
Director of Programs
Anceline Eustache
Director of Programs | Philadelphia
Maria Farias
Summer Experiences Senior Manager
Cynthia Garcia
High School Program Manager
Yesenia Garcia-Fortuna
Executive Director
Imani Griffin
High School Program Manager | Boston
Ashley Hudson
High School Mentor
Lariona Jacobs
Post-Secondary Program Manager
Melissa Johnson
Summer Search Seattle Executive Director
Jillian Lacey
Program Operations Coordinator
Sam Larkan
Director of Development
Liz Lavoie
Donor Relations Manager
Austin Lim
Post-Secondary Mentor
Christy Mathurin, LMSW
Director of Program Partnership
Libby Magalhaes
Director of Program Operations
Reyana Maguad
Senior Program Operations Coordinator | Bay Area
Alexandra Martinez
Post-Secondary Mentor
Melany Cortes Mederos
Post-Secondary Mentor
Michel-Lé Meranda
Post-Secondary Mentor
Brian Mertens
Regional Program Director
Theo Molloy
Director of Development | Philadelphia
Amanda Moretz
Associate Director of Development
Janique Morrison
Post-Secondary Mentor
For Students
& Families
Learn more about how our program builds bright futures for students.
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