INTRODUCING LAUNCH GAP YEAR
An 8-month gap year program for students who want to
grow in faith | grasp identity & purpose | experience genuine community | serve others | earn college credit
Students who participate in gap year programs are far more prepared for the transition to college
and adulthood.
WHAT IS
LAUNCH GAP YEAR?
Launch Gap Year is an eight-month experience where students grow in their faith, learn more about themselves and their purpose, experience genuine Christian community, and serve others, while earning college credit and preparing for their future.
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LEARN
about God's truth & grace
PREPARE
for the reality God has for you
REFOCUS
on the transformational truths of the gospel
LAUNCH
confidently into the world for Jesus
WHY IS IT HELPFUL?
For young people, a gap year is about taking a strategic break between the end of high school and the start of further education, training, or a full-time job.
So many students struggle in college. While they have taken the expected next step and likely gone into debt, they remain unclear about their plans and goals.
As much as parents, schools, the church, and para-church ministries do to prepare their students for life after high school, the reality is that the majority of students are unable and unprepared to live out their faith in the world away from home, let alone navigate the best path for their future.
WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Nestled at the base of the Boise foothills, Idaho's Treasure Valley boasts the perfect mixture of nature and an urban environment. In one summer afternoon, hiking, kayaking, biking, and riverside walks are readily available, while the winter brings opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. All year round, the valley offers award-winning dining and adventures at every turn.
The Treasure Valley is the perfect place for a young person to experience God in a deep way through His beautiful creation, while also adjusting to adulthood in a city atmosphere.
For the school year, Launch Gap Year students will live in centrally located apartments.
WHAT TO EXPECT
> Communal meals
> Student quiet times
> Small groups
> Bible classes
> Recreation
> Work
> Community building
> Internships
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A Typical Day
> Community
> Discipleship
> Service
> A call to missional living
> Personal growth
> Wisdom for adulthood
> Cultural understanding
Experiences
> Bible Study Methods
> OT Survey I & II
> NT Survey
> Introduction to Discipleship
> Gospel & Culture
> Worldview & Apologetics
Accredited Bible Classes
> Mountain Retreats
> Urban Mission Trip
> Oversees Mission Trip
Trips
> Spiritual Disciplines
> Vocation & Calling
> Technology & Faith
> Personal Development
> Life Skills
Electives
$10,000-$12,500
*Fundraising, scholarships, & work opportunities will be available
Cost
PARENTS!
We get it. There are a lot of options for your student after high school and it can be overwhelming to know how to set them up for success. Here are some reasons why we think you should consider Launch Gap Year.
90% of people who took a gap year graduate from a 4-year institution as compared to the overall US graduation rate of 60%.
77% of people who took a gap year agreed or strongly agreed that their gap year helped them find purpose in their life.
84% of people who took a gap year agreed or strongly agreed that their gap year helped them acquire the skills for success in their career.
Studies show that people who take gap years benefit from increased maturity levels, higher academic performances, and easier job placement.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Launch Ministries, Inc. is an interdenominational Christian organization committed to equipping the next generation with an uncompromising Biblical worldview. We believe that there are both essential and nonessential beliefs; while our essential beliefs are nonnegotiable, our nonessential beliefs are held with a sense of humility allowing us to “agree to disagree” on certain issues.
Here's what we
consider essential:
Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, was bodily raised from the dead on the third day, and is coming again according to the Scriptures.
There is one God, Creator of all things, Who alone is to be worshiped. God is infinite, perfect and eternally self-existent as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Father is holy, almighty, loving, the source of all goodness and truth, and it is He who determined to gather a people for Himself.
The Bible, the Old and New Testaments, is uniquely God-inspired and completely truthful and trustworthy. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and life, and accurate in all that it affirms.
We believe in the unity and common priesthood of all true believers, who together form one universal Church, the Body of which Christ is the Head.
The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ. The Holy Spirit, who every believer receives upon becoming a Christ-follower, guides, empowers, and convicts of sin.
When Christ returns, the dead will be raised bodily—believers to eternal life with the Lord and unbelievers to final judgment.
We are created in God’s image, but are alienated from God because of our sin and now live in a sin-damaged world. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins, God restores, reconciles, and redeems those who repent of their sin and place their faith (personal trust) in the person, and work, of Jesus Christ.
WHO ARE OUR STAFF
ROCK BROWN Executive Director
Rock is a graduate of Boise State University (BA Secondary Education) and Western Seminary (Masters of Divinity). Rock has been in full-time ministry since 1986. His passion in life is simple: to pass on the faith to the next generation! Rock has been married to the love of his life since 1989 and enjoys time with his four adult children and grandchildren.
BRENDA BALL Director of Operations
Brenda is a San Diego State graduate with a background in business, church, and para-church ministry. Her favorite role is validating individual staff value, strengths, and gifting, creating team culture, and maximizing effectiveness. Investing in relationships—especially her marriage, kids, and grandkids—is what matters most to Brenda.
KRISTIN BROWN Administration
Kristin is passionate about Jesus, people, and learning new things. She has a dual BA in Bible & Theology and English from Multnomah University and a background in teaching and vocational leadership in the local church. She is married to her best friend and loves spending time with her kids.
FAQS
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Why should I consider taking a Launch Gap Year?A Launch Gap Year isn’t just a chance to take some time off; it is an important opportunity to gain a deeper, relational connection to God through His unchanging Word while exploring life goals, strengths, and interests in a supportive community. Through their growth during the gap year, students are more equipped to determine their next step in life.
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How long does a Launch Gap Year last?Launch Gap Year program lasts 8 months, September - April with a winter break over the Christmas holidays.
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How does the transferrable credit work?Launch Gap partners with Eternity Bible College to offer top-tier transferable Bible courses.