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.
Kioka Abbott
Community: National Staff
Career Program Manager (New York/Philadelphia)
Regina Allen
Community: National Staff
Senior Talent Manager
Alexandra Bartz
Community: National Staff
Director of Program Implementation
Shawn Bradley
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Chakira Branch
Community: National Staff
Grant Writer
Sherri Brooks
Community: National Staff
Director of Learning, Evaluation, and Engagement
Allison Brooks
Community: National Staff
Institutional Partnerships Manager
Christine Capacillo
Community: National Staff
Regional Director of Alumni Engagement and Development
Sharonda Clay
Community: National Staff
Director of Quality & Partnerships
Eunice Dunham
Community: National Staff
Chief of Talent
Seth James Ellis
Community: National Staff
Senior Director of Alumni & Business Relations
Erica Erle
Community: National Staff
Director of Talent Operations
Bekah Holt
Community: National Staff
Evaluation and Data Systems Manager
Nick Hutchinson
Community: National Staff
COO & CFO
Ruby Kirby
Community: National Staff
Career Services Program Director
Shelby Lemons
Community: National Staff
Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager
Shelby Lewis
Community: National Staff
Manager of Development Data Systems
Kristie Loftus
Community: National Staff
Managing Director of Development
Becks Loo
Community: National Staff
Donor Communications & Events Manager
Melanie Lyons
Community: National Staff
Learning & Development Partner, Talent Team
Christina Manng
Community: National Staff
Director of Marketing & Development
Michael Marcus
Community: National Staff
Director of Data & Analytics
Melissa McLeod
Community: National Staff
National Director of Strategic Partnerships
Christian Moore
Community: National Staff
Workforce Manager
Ursulina Ramirez
Community: National Staff
CEO
Stephany Rodriguez
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Jocelyn Sanchez
Community: National Staff
Business Development Associate-Aon
Amanda Sayre
Community: National Staff
Associate VP Of Development
Fernando Serrato
Community: National Staff
Career Program Manager
Lily Smith
Community: National Staff
Career Program Manager (Boston)
Sylvia Starks
Community: National Staff
Accounts Payable Specialist
Megan Sussman
Community: National Staff
Chief Advancement Officer
Stephanie Tafur
Community: National Staff
Chief of Staff
Stacey Thompson
Community: National Staff
Director Of Learning & Development
Hermese Velasquez
Community: National Staff
Chief Impact Officer
Lauren Vincent
Community: National Staff
Grant Writer
Lauren Woody
Community: National Staff
Associate Director of Institutional Partnerships

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.





