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    Mission Year | Christian Discipleship and Missions Gap Year

    Mission Year | Christian Discipleship and Missions Gap Year CalenderRecently Updated

    Details

    • Listing Type: Gap Year Programs
    • Program Delivery: Residential
    • Destinations: United States, Uganda
    • Credit Awarded: College
    • Program Length: Academic Year, Other
    • Start Month: August
    • Category: Christian
    • Selective: Yes
    • Gender: Coed
    • Ages: 17, 18, 19+, 19
    • Housing: Homestay, Student Apartment
    • Financial Aid: Grants/Scholarships, Other, Payment Terms
    • Minimum Cost: $10,000 - $20,000
    • Call: (201) 760-9925
    • Last Updated:December 2025
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    Overview

    MissionYear is a gap year for 17–23 year olds to explore who they really are, live in authentic, life-on-life community, and discover their purpose in Christ. Serve in local and global ministries, experience hands-on learning and outdoor adventure, and spend a month abroad building relationships and joining God’s work. Grow in faith, uncover your gifts, gain clarity for your future, and earn up to 30 college credits along the way.

    Ever wonder what it would feel like to spend a year actually figuring out who you are and what really matters? MissionYear gives you a year to breathe, grow, and discover your purpose in Christ. It’s hands-on, community-based, deeply spiritual, and full of real experiences that shape your future.

    Who is MissionYear for?

    For 17–23 year olds who want:

    • A year to discern their next steps instead of rushing into college or a career
    • A reset from stress, confusion, or the pressure to “have it all figured out”
    • Intentional mentoring, community, and a deeper relationship with Jesus
    • Real opportunities to serve, travel, and experience God at work in the world

    What will you do?

    You’ll live with your team in a family-style environment and learn the rhythms of adult life—cooking, budgeting, communication, and leading yourself well. Each week includes discipleship, life-giving spiritual practices, and experiential learning like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and outdoor reflection.

    Service is a core part of the program. You’ll partner with local ministries—food pantries, senior homes, homeless outreach, refugee support, and more—plus jump into U.S.-based service trips. In the spring, you’ll spend one month immersed with an international ministry partner (past locations: Greece and Uganda) where you’ll live alongside local leaders, join their outreach, and experience cross-cultural ministry firsthand.

    Along the way, you’ll grow in self-awareness through personality assessments, strengths exploration, spiritual gifts discovery, and journaling. This sets the stage for future career exploration and direction.

    You can also earn up to 30 college credits through our partnership with Anchor Christian University—an affordable way to knock out credits while doing what you’re already doing.

    Where will you live?

    Students live at The Mission Center, a large farmhouse in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Guys and girls stay in separate, fully furnished apartments with shared common space for the whole team. Though nestled in a peaceful rural setting, you’ll regularly travel to nearby cities—including NYC—for service, cultural experiences, and learning opportunities.

    Ready to explore MissionYear?

    We intentionally accept only 8 students per year to create real community and a truly personalized discipleship environment. If this sounds like something you want to be part of, click “View Website” to learn more.

    How to apply:

    • Step 1: Complete the quick Part 1 Application.
    • Step 2: Complete Part 2 with more detailed questions + 3 references.
    • Step 3: Fill out a Pre-Interview Survey (background, health, maturity).
    • Step 4: Join a 60-minute virtual interview with our mentors.
    • Step 5: If accepted, submit your Commitment Form + deposit to reserve your spot.

    Cost and Session Information

    The cost (early decision) is $11,00 plus international airfare to the global immersion destination.  Cost increases $500 for regular applications received after Jan 1. Final cost can be fundraised and applicants will receive assistance in creating an online fundraising page as well as support in sending our regular newsletters throughout the term.  

    Financial Deadlines:

    50% of the total goal is due by the program start date

    80% of the total goal is due by January 1st 

    100% of the total goal is due by March 1st

    If opting in to receive college credits, tuition cost is in addition to the program expenses. Credits offered through Anchor Christian University are only $250 per credit, but you'll receive a $750 scholarship for a total of $6,750 for 30 college credits.

     

    When does the program take place?

    Touch The World's Gap Year is a two semester program.  Semester 1 runs from the end of August - early December with an extended winter break and Semester 2 runs from January - early May.  One short break is given each semester with students having an option to travel home during those times.

    Each day of the program is structured, intentional, and communal.  There are spaces for personal time built into the week, however students must come with the expectation to adhere to the schedule and community rhythms that begin each morning and conclude each evening.  This program is 7-months of immersive and integrated community living and learning.

    Testimonials (8)

    • This program has impacted me in many ways. I feel more equipped in life with a stronger foundation being my faith.

      - Leah C. - May 3, 2025
    • This program has helped me to grow in my faith and knowledge of the Bible and how to be more like a follower of Christ. This program is overall life changing and brings you to a new way of seeing the world and how to help grow God's Kingdom.

      - Raymond D. - May 3, 2025
    • I was impacted greatly by the warmth and patience that was given to me here. The lessons equipped me to serve and better function as an adult when I leave the program.

      - Manny R. - May 3, 2025
    • I have been learning so much here in the Gap Year and I feel that God is here with me. I'm learning how to be open with my feelings. I am so glad that I have someone to truth, who can listen to me and give me advice to know that my story is beautiful.

      - Iskra T. - January 8, 2025
    • This gap year program is a combination of living in a true Christian community, embracing adventures, and growing in spiritual and practical disciplines.

      - Bethany K - January 8, 2025
    • These past 9 months have been transformative in my relationship with God, myself, creation and others! An aspect of this program is taking time to reflect on moments and to bring them to God. And because of this, I was able to move from a negative perspective of myself to a positive perspective. This program pushes you to move from a narrow mindset to a widened view on the world. Also living with people that you might not agree with has been challenging but rewarding at the same time! I highly recommend this program to any young adult.

      - Grace S. - January 8, 2025
    • This program has had a big impact on my life. I can see things in a clearer and simpler way because of the things being taught here and the ultimate focus on God.

      - Amelia S. - December 12, 2024
    • This program I can say easily changed the course of my life. The mentorship I get here and the loving and understanding community allowed for me to grow so much spiritually and really understand my identity in Christ. Not only that, but I have a real relationship with Jesus now, and the knowledge of my mentors here and the opportunities I have been given opened the door for me to start, and keep growing in every aspect of life.

      - Eden B. - December 12, 2024