Summer Search Philadelphia

Program Description

Since 1990, our one-of-a-kind program has helped low-income students across the country rise to their potential and become beacons of change in their communities. Today, Summer Search has a national presence, working with young people in seven U.S. cities - Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, North Bay San Francisco, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley.

Our comprehensive program now spans a crucial seven to nine year period, giving high school students what they need to develop the personal and practical skills to become college-educated leaders who give back to their families and communities. Our scholars develop the social and emotional skills that are critical to their success in college and beyond through a unique combination of relationships and experiential opportunities.

We believe that to thrive, young people need life skills that allow them to reflect on what they feel and see, make skillful decisions and navigate the ever-changing complexities of adult life.

It isn't quick, and it isn't easy. And it works. Here's how.

1. 1. We choose carefully: We look for young people short on opportunity and long on potential. Students who might otherwise go unnoticed, but have certain character strengths that hold the seeds for transformation. Our eyes and ears are our dedicated school partners who help us find them.
2. 2. We make a long-term commitment: From sophomore year in high school to and through college. That's how long our program lasts. Followed by a lifetime of support via our thriving alumni network. Because lasting change takes time.
3. 3. We build a strong circle of support: Throughout the program, every student is surrounded by a customized circle of support, anchored by weekly meetings with a profession
4. 4. We provide life-changing experiences: Our students go on two carefully chosen and life-changing summer trips that crack their worldview wide open. They develop new skills and a deep sense of their own competence.
5. 5. We create enduring change that extends beyond our students: We can't become what we can't imagine. Our young people break new ground for their lives and demonstrate to themselves and others that something more is possible. They bring enduring change to their own lives, and to the lives of those around them.

Success Stories

Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

• White: 2%
• Asian or Pacific Islander: 7%
• Hispanic/Latino: 19%
• Other: 9%
• African American: 64%

Education Level and
Number of Students

• High School: 183
• Middle School: 0
• Elementary School: 0
• Post-secondary: 0
• Non-traditional: 0

Populations Served

• Academically High-performing

First-Generation

• More than 75%

Matriculation & Completion

• 4-yr College Matriculation: 97%
• 4-yr College Graduation: 68%