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.

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