High school never gave you the opportunity to really think about who you are, why you’re here, and what you want to bring to the world around you.
Instead, you were thrown into standardized tests, overwhelming amounts of homework, and knowledge that is of course helpful for your career, but not really that handy when it comes to everyday life.
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Trigonometry didn’t teach you how to pay off student loans.
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English didn’t encourage you to form your own opinions about the world around you.
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Biology didn’t teach you social skills or allow you to think deeper about how you connect and relate to others.
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And History definitely didn’t teach you more about what you see in Canadian and World news.
Yes, formal education is valuable, but it’s not the only thing you need to lead a purposeful life.
Your education is supposed to help you land a career - but what about all the other parts of you that make you, well, YOU?
As a gap year student, you’ve already identified that you need time away to get clear on some of those parts, that includes discovering your likes, dislikes, your interests, your passions, and what you want to dedicate more years of your life to studying.
Gap Year GPS helps you discover how and why you belong, and what you need to thrive.
Your Journey with
Gap Year GPS
So, what does this really look like within the program?
Well, it’s your journey to lead!
We’ve identified 7 key themes of leading a purposeful gap year that supports a smooth transition into young adulthood, and helps you align with the purpose you hope to carry into the rest of your life.The 7 theme program is designed to provide a holistic approach to your gap year experience, from fostering health and wellness to honing career skills, each pillar is crafted to help you thrive beyond the classroom.
The 7 themes include:
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Health and Wellness: Learn to nurture your physical and mental well-being through personalized strategies and support.
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Goal Setting: Set meaningful goals and create actionable plans to achieve them, paving the way for your personal and academic growth through your gap year and beyond.
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Career Development: Explore your passions and skills, and gain valuable insights for your future career path.
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Mentorship: Connect with experienced mentors who understand your journey and can offer guidance and encouragement.
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Financial Literacy: Learn essential financial skills to navigate things like paying for your post-secondary education, starting a side hustle, or moving out of your parent’s house.
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Project Management: Develop practical project management skills to bring your ideas to life, starting with a project within the program that beefs up your resume along the way.
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Personal Identity: Embrace and celebrate your identity while fostering self-acceptance and empowerment.
So, what does GPS really look like?
Each month we explore a new theme through:
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A 1-hour workshop with your gap year pals on the last Thursday of the month
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A deeper, more individualized conversation with your gap year coach (30 minutes)
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Suggested activities that allow you to experience the theme on your own and guiding questions to help you process what you are discovering about yourself and the world.
Who benefits the most from this program?
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You did really well in high school and are not sure how to use a gap year to do anything other then study and prepare for post-secondary
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You struggle in finding meaningful programs and opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, and affirming
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You are looking for new friends, mentors and coaches who have similar lived experiences
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You really want to learn more about yourself and discover your potential, but are not sure where to start
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You’d benefit from 1:1 support from a gap year expert or mentor with similar lived experiences to guide you through your gap year
If any of this resonates with you, this is your safe space to explore alongside a crew that gets it.
What Gappers are saying about spending their gap year with CanGap
Melissa
"Gap years are a test of guiding yourself and paving your own path. GPS is the perfect amount of structure and support that will help you do what you want to do on your gap year. I don't think you could regret it, truly. You can only gain from it! Everyone is so kind, energetic, and enthusiastic not only about life, but about your success. I went in nervous, shy, and not really knowing what to expect. I came out on the other side so much more confident, assured, and excited about my future!"
Nada
"[The name] GPS is so perfectly fitting for where it can take you, because while many of us are excited at the prospect of having a whole year to do whatever we want, we are also just as lost when it comes to where we want that year to take us and who we will be when we get there. Whether you want to go all the way and complete all the modules, or only do the modules you want like the career or personal identity modules, you can!"
Eisa
"It was good to have someone I could talk about everything on my mind at that moment with, and it helped me with realizations on my own personal character."
Embrace YOU, discover what you stand for, and fuel up on clean energy that accelerates you into adulthood, post-secondary, and beyond.
Here's what comes next:
Step 1: Choose your level of support
Step 2: Start your onboarding
Fill out a brief application.
We want to know a little about you! Fill out the form for your stream choice and we'll send you your application with a few questions.
Our team will review your application.
This usually takes around 3 - 5 business days.
Schedule your Onboarding Call
Upon acceptance into GPS, you'll be asked to sign a program agreement committed to workshops and coaching, and complete a short onboarding call to introduce you to our virtual program platform.
Got questions?
We got answers!
Q: Do I need to pay to be in this program?
A: No! Thanks to RBC Future Launch, this program is covered for Canadian gap year students. Fees are only applied to streams that require specialized or additional coaching.
Q: How much freedom is there to do what I want within the framework of the program?
A: Tons! The GPS isn’t about telling you what to do – it’s about opening your eyes to what’s possible and providing the framework and support for YOU to decide which direction to go.
Q: Is this program for me if I don’t want to travel or need/plan to work on my gap year?
A: Absolutely. Whether you plan to travel, volunteer, work – or some combo of these, the GPS is ideal for you.
Q: How much time do I need to commit to this program?
A: Around 2 - 3 hours a month, or as many more as you'd like! GPS is here to support your gap year. You can still do all the things you have planned (or plan throughout the year) while participating.
Q: Is the Program for Canadians only?
A: No! Though we are a Canadian non-profit, we welcome participants from around the globe.
Q: I have more questions. Who should I speak to?
A: Please email our Programs Director, Jazzmine, at jazz@cangap.ca
Q: Do I need to know what I’m going to do on my gap year before enrolling?
A: No! In fact, the first step inside the portal is to help you understand your options and create your gap year plan (so it’s almost BETTER if you’re not sure what you want to do yet!).
Q: What measures are in place to keep participants on track?
A: There are lots of ways we keep participants motivated and moving forward including scheduled live (online) events, check-ins and encouragement through our online community and automatic reminders when you haven’t accessed the course in a while or hit a particular milestone.
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: Nope! We welcome gappers at all ages and stages. About 70% of our gappers come right out of high school but 30% have completed some (or all) post-secondary. The content is very mature and relevant to anyone getting ready to 'adult.'
Q: My parent is going to sign me up. How do I provide you my information once they do?
A: It’s often parents who do the actual enrolling – which is just fine. They should input their own information and yours during the check-out process. Once that’s complete, you'll receive details to your email about how to access the GPS and next steps.