HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM BAY AREA
Mentoring
At Summer Search, we believe that mentoring empowers students to tap into the strength and potential they already possess which in turn supports them in achieving their long-term goals. We do this by:
Developing Students'
Social & Emotional
Learning Skills
Self Awareness
Relationship Building
Agency
Sense of Values
Moral Code
Personal Goals
Actively making life choices
Critical
Consciousness
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills
Leading to
Knowing and being confident in who you are across different environments
Obtaining a degree after high school (Associate, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate etc.)
Being able to find, apply, & interview for a job, and navigate the work environment
Resulting in
Integrated Identity
Educational Attainment
Career Readiness
Purpose
Having internal meaning in life & a desire to impact the world
Financial Well-Being
The ability to meet current and ongoing financial needs
Post-Secondary Transition Program
At Summer Search, we want to make sure our students are supported as they make the transition from high school to whatever they envision for themselves next. That's why after High School Program, students join the Post-Secondary Transition Program! To make the transition from high school program to post-secondary as smooth as possible, students meet their transition mentor at the end of their junior year of high school. This support can look like:
College Application
Support
Financial Aid Applications &
Budgeting Support
Personal Insight Questions, College Application Essay & Scholarship Essay Support
Resume Review &
Career Planning Support
Students also gain access to Summer Search CONNECT, Summer Search's digital portal exclusively for the Summer Search community. On this portal, students are able to access networking opportunities, career coaching, job opportunities, internship opportunities, and scholarships.
CLICK BELOW TO SIGN UP FOR
Meet our Post-Secondary Transition Team!
Gee Salas (she/her)
Post-Secondary Program Manager
Where are you from? San Leandro, CA
What brought you to Summer Search? or What keeps you here? As a first-generation college-bound student, I encountered challenges with the college application process and faced various struggles during my undergraduate career. I’ve made it my mission to support first-gen students with their next step after high school whether that’s college, work force programs, etc. I am all about exploring different options and making space for students to make their goals a reality.
What do you like to do in your free time? I am a proud dog Mom! I bring my Yuki almost everywhere with me. I love going on walks in nature and I’m always looking for the best coffee spots in the Bay.
Share a fun fact about yourself! I lived in New York City for six years before coming to Summer Search. I was the first person in my family to do this, and it was quite an experience!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I learn something new from our Summer Searchers everyday!
510-601-2143
August Lim (they/them/he)
Transition Mentor (Senior Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? Fresno, CA
What brought you to Summer Search? or What keeps you here? I came to Summer Search and now stay here for the people in the org--students, participants, and staff!
What do you like to do in your free time? I read, embroider, walk, do mutual aid, and play video games. And most of all spend time with my cats Mr. Pie and Opal!
Share a fun fact about yourself! I've hiked up to Half Dome in the middle of the night to get to the top at sunrise!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? The people I work with constantly teach me new things, make me laugh, and challenge my thinking in ways that help me grow. I'm grateful to Summer Searchers for letting me be present for part of their journeys!
510-601-2131
Jocelyn Sanchez (she/her)
Transition Mentor (Senior Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? Queens, NY
What brought you to Summer Search? or What keeps you here? I was in search for the right career fit after grad school and Summer Search allowed me to combine my passions of youth development, social justice, and building meaningful community, which is also what has kept me here.
What do you like to do in your free time? I spend my free time with my dog, Mila and friends.
Share a fun fact about yourself! I love(d) the traditional Oreo since I was a toddler and my mom worked at the Nabisco factory.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love how smart, funny, real and brave our Summer Searchers are.
510-601-214
Melany Cortes Mederos (she/her)
Transition Mentor (Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? American Canyon, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? I was in Summer Search as a student during my high school years, and I had an amazing experience with the program. In college I was involved in multiple mentor positions on and off campus, and I loved working with youth. As a result of my experiences in Summer Search and in college, I was excited about the possibility of working with youth in my local community which is why I applied to the mentor position.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love to read in my free time, and I am always open to book recommendations. Aside from reading I love to travel, and I try to attend as many concerts/music festivals as I can. As a foodie, I also enjoy trying out new coffee shops and restaurants.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love our Summer Searchers because they are so passionate about their aspirations and goals, which is impressive and inspiring!
707-774-8186
