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

Career Program Manager (New York/Philadelphia)

Regina Allen

Senior Talent Manager

Alexandra Bartz

Director of Program Implementation

Chakira Branch

Grant Writer

Sherri Brooks

Director of Learning, Evaluation, and Engagement

Allison Brooks

Institutional Partnerships Manager

Christine Capacillo

Regional Director of Alumni Engagement and Development

Sharonda Clay

Director of Quality & Partnerships

Eunice Dunham

Chief of Talent

Seth James Ellis

Senior Director of Alumni & Business Relations

Erica Erle

Director of Talent Operations

Bekah Holt

Evaluation and Data Systems Manager

Nick Hutchinson

COO & CFO

Ruby Kirby

Career Services Program Director

Shelby Lemons

Senior Institutional Partnerships Manager

Shelby Lewis

Manager of Development Data Systems

Kristie Loftus

Managing Director of Development

Becks Loo

Donor Communications & Events Manager

Melanie Lyons

Learning & Development Partner, Talent Team

Christina Manng

Director of Marketing & Development

Michael Marcus

Director of Data & Analytics

Melissa McLeod

National Director of Strategic Partnerships

Christian Moore

Workforce Manager

Amanda Sayre

Associate VP Of Development

Fernando Serrato

Career Program Manager

Lily Smith

Career Program Manager (Boston)

Sylvia Starks

Accounts Payable Specialist

Megan Sussman

Chief Advancement Officer

Stephanie Tafur

Chief of Staff

Stacey Thompson

Director Of Learning & Development

Hermese Velasquez

Chief Impact Officer

Lauren Vincent

Grant Writer

Lauren Woody

Associate Director of Institutional Partnerships