Life GPS

Living, learning and working in a neurotypical world as a neurodiverent person.

A FREE 6-month virtual program for Ontario-based neurodivergent youth who want to make the most of their time away from the classroom as they prepare for the "adult" world.

Funded by the Government of Canada's YESS Program

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

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.

Life 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 someone in-between stages of life, you have an opportunity to get clear on your likes, dislikes, your interests, your passions, and what you want to study or where you want to work.

Life 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!

We’ve identified 7 key themes that support 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 themes include:

Health and Wellness: Learn to nurture your physical and mental well-being through personalized strategies and support.
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.
Career Development: Explore your passions and skills, and gain valuable insights for your future career path.
Mentorship: Connect with experienced mentors who understand your journey and can offer guidance and encouragement.
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.
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.
Personal Identity: Embrace and celebrate your identity while fostering self-acceptance and empowerment.

We also focus on getting you out of the house and into a job or volunteer placement. We do this through 4 modules specifically designed for YOU:

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.
Accommodation 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?

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 and resident of Ontario
Have the ability to work independently/interdependently
Are able to commit to showing up for meetings and workshops September through March

All applications will be assessed.
We have 16 spots for the fully funded program.
Applicants will be notified of their status.
Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply for our fee-based version of this program.

If any of this resonates with you, this is your safe space to explore alongside a crew that gets it.

APPLY TODAY

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: No! Thanks to YESS, this program is covered for neurodivergent Canadian youth residing in Ontario.

Q: How much freedom is there to do what I want within the framework of the program?

A: Tons! LifeGPS 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 LifeGPS is ideal for you.

Q: How much time do I need to commit to this program?

A: Around 2 - 3 hours per week, or as many more as you'd like! LifeGPS 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. Non-Ontario residents can apply for the paid ND stream of GPS.

Q: I have more questions. Who should I speak to?

A: Please email our Program manager, Jewlz, at julianne@cangap.ca

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 automatic reminders when you haven’t accessed the course in a while or hit a particular milestone.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: Yes. Our funding is for youth 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.