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
Integrated Identity
Knowing and being confident in who you are across different environments
Educational Attainment
Career Readiness
Obtaining a degree after high school (Associate, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate etc.)
Being able to find, apply, & interview for a job
Being able to navigate the work environment
Resulting in
Purpose
Financial Well-Being
Having internal meaning in life & a desire to impact the world
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
Aus Lim (they/them)
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
Dani Sanchez (she/her/)
Transition Mentor (Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? Born in the beautiful country of Peru but grew up in the Bay Area!
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? In high school, I was a part of SS and I had a great experience with the program. After college, I was looking for a job and I knew I loved working with youth in my community so being a mentor felt like a perfect fit! What keeps me here are the Summer Searchers and the community we get to create.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love traveling and discovering new locations during my free time, but I also enjoy the little things in life. I love being outdoors, baking with my siblings, and going out to dance. I’m currently trying to learn to cook as much Peruvian food as I can, so I don’t lose that part of my culture. I’m also learning how to play the piano!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Each summer searcher is unique and different, but they all are trying to challenge themselves and are open to new experiences and opportunities to grow as much as they can.
510-601-2151
Anika Gillespie-Jones (she/they)
Transition Mentor (Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Sonoma County. I grew up in Guerneville, CA and explored all of Sonoma County by bus!
What brought you to Summer Search? or What keeps you here? I am an alumni of Summer Search which means that I went through the program myself starting back in 2013 and I graduated from High school in 2015. After graduating college, I really wanted to return to Summer Search and work for them as a mentor. I remembered how helpful it was to have one throughout high school to keep me on track with my goals and I knew that I wanted to do the same for other students. I started as a Mentor in the Santa Rosa office, and I enjoyed working with High school students.
What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time , currently I am enjoying doing my own nails and learning how to do nail art, but I am not a pro (YET!).
Share a fun fact about yourself! I am very huge on Well-being mentally and physically, LOVE Hello Kitty, and enjoy playing video games (PS4 and Switch mainly). On my free time currently, I am enjoying doing my own nails and learning how to do nail art but I am not a pro (YET!).
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I have now transitioned into the Post-secondary team and have been happy being in my new role. I still support High school students but now its more specific on helping them plan for college or their career path! Through both positions, every Summer Searcher I engage with helps me reflect and learn new things to implement into my life. That is the best thing about Summer Searchers, they enrich their mentors with new lessons while learning from their mentor at the same time!
707-774-8193
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
