Not a pause, but a different way forward.
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Touch the World’s accredited Gap Year Program is a unique alternative school-year for students to explore identity, belonging, and purpose with the option to earn college credit.
Learn how your story fits into God’s mission.
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Kunkletown, PA
What will students experience?
Close-knit Community
Spiritual formation
Self-discovery
Intentional discipleship
Service opportunities
Global missions
Who is the Gap Year for?
High school graduates who:
- Want to cultivate their relationship with Jesus
- Are unsure of their path post-high school or want time before pursuing college, trade school, or a career
- Desire intentional discipleship and mentoring as they transition into adulthood
WHERE STUDENTS WILL STAY
Gap Year students will live on the campus of The Mission Center, Touch the World’s training center, nestled in the Pocono Mountains. Students will live in split-gender apartments within the home of Randy and Deb Sheagley, TTW staff and Gap Year mentors. This family-style setting is designed for intentional discipleship as students discover who they are, who God is, and what His calling for their life is.
Both semesters of the program will involve mentoring, spiritual formation, and experiential learning, culminating in a month-long global immersion experience with a TTW ministry partner in Athens, Greece.
WHERE STUDENTS WILL STAY
Gap Year students will live on the campus of The Mission Center, Touch the World’s training center, nestled in the Pocono Mountains. Students will live in split-gender apartments within the home of Randy and Deb Sheagley, TTW staff and Gap Year mentors. This family-style setting is designed for intentional discipleship as students discover who they are, who God is, and what His calling for their life is.
Both semesters of the program will involve mentoring, spiritual formation, and experiential learning, culminating in a month-long global immersion experience with a TTW ministry partner in Athens, Greece.
How much Does it cost?
$9,000 plus international airfare for global immersion trip
Students will receive guidance and coaching in raising funds to meet their program cost goal. The costs will be allocated towards:
- food and lodging
- transportation
- training and materials
- all program activities
The option to pursue college course credit is available at an additional cost of $250 per credit. Accreditation through Anchor Christian University.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2023
Step 1:
Application
Short Form
Submit your Initial Application by April 30th. This gathers some basic information and should take you less than 5 minutes to complete.
Step 2:
Application
Long Form
Following Step 1, you will receive an emailed link to the Long Form Application. This is more comprehensive and will take 30-45 minutes to complete. Be prepared to submit references.
Step 3:
Interview
Pre-Interview Survey
If you are invited to move along in the process, you will schedule an interview. Before the interview, you’ll complete a brief survey to guide the discussion.
Step 4:
Acceptance
Congratulations!
After your interview, a TTW staff mentor will reach out with our decision. If you are accepted, you’ll be provided with next steps to get started!
Meet our Mentors
Meet Randy
You may often find yourself asking “Where’s Randy?” Randy officially joined staff in 2018 and is typically busy working on projects around The Mission Center property. Randy is also an experienced counselor with a passion for investing in people, especially youth and young adults. Additionally, Randy is low-key one of the funniest people on staff.
Meet Deb
Deb has been on staff at Touch the World for over 15 years. She’s a counselor by profession and her heart is to disciple young people and prepare them for a life of serving and following Christ. She grew up in Japan as a missionary kid, where her parents spent decades working with youth. Today, Deb oversees the property of The Mission Center with her husband, Randy.
Questions about the Gap Year Program?
Let us know on the Gap Year Program interest form.
One of our Gap Year mentors will get in touch with you to answer your questions!
How to Earn College Credit
How does it work?
The instructional and experiential elements of Touch the World’s Gap Year Program allow participants to earn up to 30 college credits through Anchor Christian University.
Anchor Christian University will guide you through the entire process, including financial aid assistance (if necessary) and transferring your credits to another institution after completing the Gap Year.
Credits are potentially transferable to any college or university. Anchor has partnerships with several Christian Universities that guarantee credit transfers.
These schools include:
- Liberty University (VA)
- Cedarville University (OH)
- Clarks Summit University (PA)
- Cairn University (PA)
- Lancaster Bible School (PA)
- Southeastern University (FL)
WILL I HAVE TO DO EXTRA WORK TO EARN CREDITS?
All program participants regardless of credit status will go through the same trainings and curriculum. All students will also be required to complete weekly journal entries to help them process their own learning. Students earning college credits will have additional assignments and final papers to demonstrate meeting learning outcomes.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE 30 CREDITS?
No, you choose how many credits you want to enroll in. The program curriculum will remain the same regardless of whether you apply for credits.
Can I opt out of college credit?
Absolutely. If you don’t foresee continuing education in your future, or wish not to pay for the college credits, you have the complete option to not enroll.
Some requirements, such as journaling are a required component of the program for all participants. However, those not enrolled for college credit will not have the same level of project requirements or assignments to complete as those who are enrolled.
How much does it cost?
Each credit costs $250. This is a 56% lower average net price than the Top 5 Online Christian colleges. Payment for credits will be processed through Anchor Christian University. Reap the benefit of incredible cost savings towards future education!
Compare average course credit costs →
What courses are offered?
Bible/Theology Courses (9 credits)
- Foundations for Christian Living
(3 credits: Theology)
- Creation to Consummation
(3 credits: Theology)
- Intercultural Evangelism
(3 credits: Missiology)
General Education Classes (21 credits)
- Foundations of World Views
(3 credits: Philosophy)
- Introductory Cultural Anthropology
(3 credits: Anthropology)
- Survey of Global Issues
(3 credits: Global Studies)
- Roots of Christianity
(3 credits: History)
- Foundations of Leadership
(3 credits:Leadership)
- Foundations of Learning
(3 credits: Student Life Skills)
- Recreational Activities
(3 credits: Physical Education)
General Education credits are more likely to transfer to any college setting, public or private. Bible & Theology credits are likely limited to Christian colleges.
WHEN DO I HAVE TO DECIDE BY?
Participants who wish to earn credits must make that decision and inform Touch the World by July 1, 2023.
Interested in the Gap Year Program for 2024-2025?
Submit a 2024 Gap Year interest form.
We’ll send you more information and let you know when applications open!