This alternative school-year helps young adults explore identity, belonging, and purpose with the option to earn college credit. Students will live in a family-style setting designed for intentional discipleship as they learn more about God, themselves and others. Both semesters of the Gap Year will involve mentoring, spiritual formation, and experiential learning, including local community service opportunities and a month-long global immersion missions experience.
Who is this program for?
This program is for 17-23 year olds who:
- Are post-high school and are unsure of their path or want more time for discernment before taking the next step
- Have begun college but aren't sure it's the right fit or need more direction for the future
- Desire intentional discipleship and mentoring as they transition into adulthood
- Want to cultivate their relationship with Jesus further and to learn what it means to live on mission every day
What will students do in this program?
- Live in community with others and learn practical life skills while being mentored and coached in an intentional setting
- Apply spiritual disciplines and adopt healthy rhythms to align your body, mind, and spirit with lifelong devotion to Jesus
- Learn in a variety of settings and through experiential means including outdoor adventure such as camping, backpacking and rock climbing
- Serve in both urban and rural ministry settings, including local community service, US-based mission trips and an extended global immersion missions experience
- Grow in self-discovery through a careful assessment of personality, strengths, weaknesses and spiritual gifts that will contribute towards your future career exploration
- (Optionally) Earn academic college credit* that can be transferred to other colleges and universities
*Up to 30 college credits are possible, offered through a partnership with Anchor Christian University.
Where do students live?
Students live in a family environment all within one large farmhouse. Guys and girls have their own separate and fully furnished apartments with their own bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedrooms. There is common space within the house for all team members. The farmhouse called The Mission Center is nestled in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. While the daily accommodations are in a rural area, team members will frequently visit other nearby cities such as Allentown, Stroudsburg, Wilkes-Barre, PA as well as New Jersey and New York City for local serve opportunities and cultural excursions. One month of second semester will be spent at a global partner location potentially in Greece, Uganda, Guatemala or elsewhere. Each year a new location is chosen.
I'm interested! What's next?
Our program is selective and seeks young people who are eagerly committed to growing in their relationship with the Lord by learning in Christian community. We have a maximum of 8 students each year to foster an intimate environment to truly live and serve together. We encourage you to select the "View Website" button to learn more.
How do I apply?
There are a few steps in the application process:
Step 1: Complete the “Short Form” which provides basic information and interest in the program. This takes only a few minutes!
Step 2: Complete the “Long Form” which asks more comprehensive questions about your desire to learn in this program and also provides our staff more insight into who you are. This may take 30-45 minutes to complete and requires you submit 3 references (educational, spiritual and character).
Step 3: Complete a Pre-Interview Survey that asks more personal questions regarding mental health, personal background and maturity.
Step 4: Virtual Interview with our Gap Year mentors. Set aside 60 minutes for this “getting-to-know you” conversation.
Step 5: If you are accepted into the program, you will submit a Gap Year Commitment Form along with a $250 deposit to secure your spot in our incoming class.
The cost is $9,800 plus international airfare to the global immersion destination. Those amount can be fundraised and applicants will receive assistance in creating an online fundraising page as well as support in sending our regular newsletters throughout the term.
Financial Deadlines:
50% of the total goal is due by the program start date
80% of the total goal is due by January 1st
100% of the total goal is due by March 1st
If opting in to receive college credits, credit costs are in addition to the program expenses. Credits offered through Anchor Christian University are only $250 per credit and are paid separately directly to the partner.
When does the program take place?
Touch The World's Gap Year is a two semester program. Semester 1 runs from the end of August - early December with an extended winter break and Semester 2 runs from January - early May. One short break is given each semester with students having an option to travel home during those times.
Each day of the program is structured, intentional, and communal. There are spaces for personal time built into the week, however students must come with the expectation to adhere to the schedule and community rhythms that begin each morning and conclude each evening. This program is 9-months of immersive and integrated community living and learning.
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