Summer Search

Mission statement from their website:
«The mission of Summer Search is to find resilient low-​income high school students and inspire them to become responsible and altruistic leaders by providing year-​round mentoring, life-​changing summer experiences, college advising, and a lasting support network.»
It is only through great adversity that one achieves personal growth, and Summer Search recognizes that. It is not easy to have your buttons and boundaries pushed every week, forcing you to confront your inner inhibitions to success — it can be brutal and I often dreaded it — but once you work through it, Summer Search does make a difference in your life.
It is also with great love that there is great disappointment, and in many ways, Summer Search is kind of a family. And what does every family have? A black sheep. I didn’t participate in a program through Summer Search the second year and took a bit longer than most to finish my undergraduate degree, so out of embarrassment, I have fallen out of touch, but regardless of these rough patches, I’m still very grateful for all that they’ve done for me, and I do plan on reconnecting with them to give back.
The process as I remember it, is that high school teachers would nominate students in their sophomore year. You have to endure the infamous and intense one-​on-​one interview (NEVER EVER be late to this, and be absolutely honest). If selected, you receive weekly mentoring (don’t drop the ball on this one either). In the first year of the program, you go on an outdoor program during the summer. In the second year, you get to go on a program of your choice, be it abroad or summer school at an ivy league institution. A reflective essay is required after each. They’re also a great resource and support system for college and employment preparation.