ABOUT US

Founded in 2008, Summer Search Philadelphia is proud to serve nearly 500 young people from Greater Philadelphia Area, West Philadelphia, Olney, Roxborough, and North Philadelphia.

Land Acknowledgement

Our Philadelphia office resides on the unceded land of the Lenapehoking (Lenni-Lenape) peoples, past and present. We honor with gratitude the land itself, and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations.

We recognize this as just one step in acknowledging the history of forced removal of indigenous people from their land and our work toward racial justice.

We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Lenapehoking (Lenni-Lenape) communities, their elders both past and present, and future generations.

Who we serve Who we serve | Our community & referral partners | Our impact arrow_forward arrow_back Aon apprenticeship | Honored by Philadelphia city council Our community & referral partners Our impact Aon apprenticeship Honored by Philadelphia city council arrow_back arrow_forward Who we serve Who we serve | Our community & referral partners | Our impact arrow_forward arrow_back Aon apprenticeship | Honored by Philadelphia city council Our community & referral partners Our impact Aon apprenticeship Honored by Philadelphia city council Learn more Learn more arrow_back arrow_forward Who we serve Who we serve | Our community & referral partners | Our impact arrow_forward arrow_back Aon apprenticeship | Honored by Philadelphia city council Our community & referral partners Our impact Aon apprenticeship Honored by Philadelphia city council Our impact report Our impact report arrow_back arrow_forward Who we serve Who we serve | Our community & referral partners | Our impact arrow_forward arrow_back Aon apprenticeship | Honored by Philadelphia city council Our community & referral partners Our impact Aon apprenticeship Honored by Philadelphia city council Learn more Learn more arrow_back arrow_forward Who we serve Who we serve | Our community & referral partners | Our impact arrow_forward arrow_back Aon apprenticeship | Honored by Philadelphia city council Our community & referral partners Our impact Aon apprenticeship Honored by Philadelphia city council arrow_back arrow_forward
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Dr. Christina Joohee Cho

Meet Summer Search Philadelphia Executive Director, Dr. Christina Johee Cho! Cho is a former education leader passionate about leading with a human-centered approach to create safe and welcoming spaces for students, families, and communities. Watch her video and read her blog to learn more about the expertise she brings to Summer Search.

2025

Joined Summer Search

Scuba Diving

What Is Their Favorite Activity?

Dr. Christina
Joohee Cho

Meet Summer Search Philadelphia Executive Director, Dr. Christina Johee Cho! Cho is a former education leader passionate about leading with a human-centered approach to create safe and welcoming spaces for students, families, and communities. Watch her video and read her blog to learn more about the expertise she brings to Summer Search.

2025

Joined Summer Search

Cho spent six years in various roles at one of our partner schools, Boys Latin of Philadelphia!

Fun Fact

Scuba Diving

What Is Their Favorite Activity?

What we're up to now

Check out the latest events and happenings at Summer Search Philadelphia! Click below to learn more or, if no events are scheduled right now, reach out to philadelphia@summersearch.org to learn about other ways you get involved.

PHireside Chat – Summer Experiences

Please join us for the second edition of our PHireside Chat series, as students reflect on their Summer Experiences across Pennsylvania, on college campuses, and even abroad to Central America. Our panel will highlight the joys, challenges, and opportunities offered by their trips, and how these experiences have impacted their growth as leaders.

Need Answers? Check out these Questions Below!
What is Summer Search?
Summer Search is a year-round program that empowers young people to confidently pursue their vision of success during and after high school through mentoring, summer experiential learning opportunities, and post-secondary and career supports. We believe that all young people should have the support to pursue their purpose and secure their financial futures. Starting in sophomore year, students will be paired with a staff mentor and a group of peers for regular conversations where they will work together on building social emotional and leadership skills and exploring college and career options after high school. Students will receive support from our community as they journeys from high school through to launching their career.
Who is eligible to participate in the Summer Search program?
Sophomores who attend one of our partner schools (or are affiliated with one of our partners) and who meet our eligibility guidelines can apply to Summer Search. To be eligible for Summer Search, prospective students must be sophomores from a partner school and qualify for Free and Reduced lunch.
Do I need to pay to be a part of the Summer Search program?
No! Through the generosity of the Summer Search community, Summer Search is fully-funded (aka: free!).
How do I apply for Summer Search?
Ready to become a Summer Searcher? Click here!
Who are Summer Search Mentors?
Summer Search mentors are full-time, paid professional staff who are trained in social-emotional learning, critical consciousness development, college and career advising and trauma-sensitive practices. Summer Search mentors are unique in their backgrounds and skills coming into Summer Search. Some have previously worked as admissions counselors and others have worked with wilderness programs. Summer Search staff are united in their ability to see and center the strengths and voice of Summer Search students. All staff complete a background check before they are hired.
How does Summer Search ensure students are safe on their summer experiences?
Summer Search participants are awarded scholarships to participate in summer experiences after their sophomore and junior years. These experiences are opportunities for growth and connection that are both challenging and empowering. Traditionally, during the first summer, Summer Searchers go on a 2-3 week outdoor adventure in their home state or another state. Backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, and many fun connecting activities are some of the most common adventures that our students experience. To ensure the safety of all participants, Summer Search does not operate the summer experiences directly. Instead, we partner closely with the best professionals in the field who are specifically trained to lead summer programs for youth. We provide parents/families and students information about the program they will attend and be available to answer all questions about it.
What type of Summer Programming is offered?
Summer Search participants are awarded scholarships to participate in summer experiences after their sophomore and junior years. These experiences are opportunities for growth and connection that are both challenging and empowering. Traditionally during the first summer, Summer Searchers go on a 2-3 week outdoor adventure in their home state or another state. Backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, cycling, and sailing are some of the most common adventures that our students experience. The second summer is typically a cultural immersion/service (in the United States or abroad) experience, an academic program, or internship/career opportunity. Parents/guardians and participants will always have a choice about whether to participate in a summer experience.
What about the cost of attending college?
Summer Search staff will partner with students to find a good fit college (or explore an alternative pathway like technical school) and provide support in navigating the process of securing financial aid and scholarships to make college as affordable as possible. We take an individualized approach to advising participants on their post-secondary pathway to ensure that we are supporting each individual student’s goals and aspirations. The majority of Summer Searchers are graduating college with <$20,000 of debt as compared to borrowers between the ages of 25-34 with an average debt of $33,260.
How does Summer Search support my student's career goals?
Your student will join the Summer Search community and will have access to a national network of staff, alumni, board and corporate partners for professional development opportunities including career-based coaching, job shadow days, internship and job postings. These opportunities are offered via a private portal, Summer Search CONNECT, which your student will be invited to join.
What is the commitment from participants and families?
The power of this program comes from the combination of the depth of support provided by Summer Search and the mutual investment made by each young person in our program. Initially to enroll in the program, students and their parent/guardian will be asked to complete an application which includes providing information about your family’s financial picture. Once a student is accepted into the program, parents will be invited to talk with their student’s mentor over the phone, review materials about the program in your preferred language, and attend an orientation to share more details and answer questions. There are other opportunities for parents/guardians to connect with their student's mentor through the program, including attending events and meetings. There is no cost to participate in the Summer Search program.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, please reach out to Imani Palmer at ipalmer@summersearch.org

Become A
Summer Searcher Today!

Ready to discover your Power and Potential?
Join Summer Search for personalized mentorship, fully funded summer experiences, and a network of support as you shape your future. Your path to possibility begins here!

The Summer Search Philly Team

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.

see what’s happening on ‘THE GRAM’!

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