Gap Year GPS - ND Stream
Living, learning and working in a neurotypical world as a neurodiverent person.
A 12-month virtual program for neurodivergent youth who want to make the most of their time away from the classroom as they prepare for the "adult" world.
Partially Funded by RBC and Cooperators Foundation
High school might have been great, it also might not have been great, and that is okay. Learning and being social with little flexibility to the way your brain works can be frustrating.
The ND stream of GPS is a place of belonging. It is a neuroaffirming program staffed by folks that know you are prefect just the way you are. We will provide you with the opportunity and support to discover more about yourself, your strengths and tools you need to thrive in a world that isn't built for brains like yours.
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
Life GPS
So, what does this really look like within the program?
Well, it’s your journey to lead!
🚀Phase One: Launch🚀🔎
September/October
Transitioning out of summer mode and learning to be something other than a student can take a bit. We want you to feel excited instead of overwhelmed so we have built out the tools you need to establish yourself.
Key Themes: Gap Year Planning, Connecting with other Gappers, Managing Your Time, Finding a Job
🔎Phase Two: Self-Discovery🔍
November/December
As cheesy as it sounds, there is always an element of “finding yourself” when you intentionally push pause. We want you to discover who you are when the noise around you settles. Knowing who you really are sets a strong foundation for confidence, happiness and aligned choices about your future.
Key Themes: Who am I? Health & Wellness, Career Discovery, Mentorship
⚡Phase Three: Level Up⚡
January/February
A new year brings so many new opportunities - dive into challenging yourself, learning new things and following curiosity instead of curriculum.
Key Themes: Adulting Skills, Money Moves, Learning to Learn Without a Classroom
🌎Phase Four: Explore🌎
March/April/May/June
Building upon your gap year experience so far, it’s time to really explore what’s out there. It’s time to create, travel, discover, adventure, take calculated risks, give back and grow as a person.
-
Phase Four has 3 potential capstone activities: -
Head to the Yukon: Join other gappers on a 9-day trip to Canada’s North - dive into sustainability, Indigenous ways of Knowing, northern living and make memories on this trip of a lifetime. (Extra cost - Budget approximately $5,000 - we will help you with fundraising too!)
-
Design & Execute a Service Project: If you are passionate about social change or environmental justice, this is your chance to tackle an issue near and dear to your heart. Working with our amazing coaches, see a project through from start to finish.
-
Independent Activities: You’ve got other plans? No worries! Stay connected as you chart your own path through the second half of your gap time with the support of your coach and peers.
-
The program ends with support for capturing all of the learning and growth you experienced. We share tools for reintergating back into non-gapping life with ease - with memories, experiences, skills and a whole community that will forever be a part of who you are!
ND-Specific Modules
Understanding your Neurodivergence
And not only understand it, but embrace and celebrate it! We want to you know as much about yourself as you can so you can show up fully.
Routine Management
All of those pesky executive functioning skills everyone talks about AND all of the things you can do on a daily basis to feel regulated and in control.
Accommodations and Disclosure
Discover what types of accommodations are out there (and what you are entitled to by law) and explore who, when and if you should share your neurotype.
Your Employment Profile and LASSI
What types of jobs and working environments best suit you? What learning styles and strategies can you leverage? We'll help you figure it all out.
So, what does GPS really look like?
-
Gappers kick off the year with a GPS Bootcamp (virtual or in-person in Toronto)
-
We then all meet up in our dedicated server, HeartBeat where everyone can connect, share, learn and ask questions.
-
Each gapper is matched with an incredible gap year coach. The coach will meet with each gapper once a month for a 1:1 conversation (30 minutes) to troubleshoot, explore new topics or keep you moving forward towards your goals.
-
Throughout the year the Coaches offer virtual workshops on all of our key themes. Workshops are more frequent at the start of the year (usually on Thursday evenings) and help gappers develop independence as the year progresses.
-
Don’t forget! You’ll also have a custom Gap Year GPS Handbook that will arrive in the mail shortly after you register! This guidebook (with stickers!!!) will help you keep track of your goals and progress.
-
At the end of the program, we will celebrate your growth and provide you with an Official Gap Year Certificate that you can proudly put on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Time Commitment: 1 hour/week - this program is designed to be done alongside whatever else you have going on - work, travel, volunteering, learning to juggle - we won’t get in the way, we will be here to support you.
So, what does GPS really look like?
You can expect:
-
To select a coach that matches your goals and comfort level.
-
Meet with your coach for 30 minutes weekly to chat through challenges and opportunities
-
Bi-weekly workshops to help develop new or refine existing skills
-
Employment support or volunteer placement support
-
Suggested activities that allow you to experience life on your own with guiding questions to help you process what you are discovering about yourself and the world.
Who is eligible?
-
Someone who self-identifies as neurodivergent (no paperwork or formal diagnosis required)
-
Canadian Citizen/PR/Refugee Status
-
Are able to commit to showing up for meetings and workshops throughout the year
-
Are able to pay the $1,000 fee
If any of this resonates with you, this is your safe space to explore alongside a crew that gets it.
SIGN UP HERE
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."
Got questions?
We got answers!
Q: Do I need to pay to be in this program?
A: Yes, however, hanks to RBC the majority of the program is covered. The $1,000 fee covers the additional ND resources and specialized coaches.
Q: How much freedom is there to do what I want within the framework of the program?
A: Tons! 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 1 hours per week, or as many more as you'd like! GPS is here to support you. 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: Yes & No. Our funding from RBC covers Canadians but we have an option for a paid entry into the program for non-Canadians. Email info@cangap.ca to discuss.
Q: I have more questions. Who should I speak to?
A: Please email us at info@cangap.ca or book a call with our team
Q: Do I need to know what I’m going to do with my life before enrolling?
A: No! In fact, the first step inside the program is to help you understand your options and create your 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 celebrations when moving from one phase to the next.
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: No! While about 70% of our gappers are fresh out of high school, the other 30% have finished some or all of their post-secondary studies. The program is best suited for those between the ages of 17 and 24.
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. All of the required information can be filled out in the application form.