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Transformative Education for a Transforming World

The Future Framers Gap Year is a hybrid, part-time, 9-month program for young people ages 17-25 who want to understand themselves, their changing world, and how they can have an impact.

The program is designed to support your self-directed gap year experience and leave you with the skills, knowledge, and connections to move powerfully toward your goals.

Have you wondered about the impact of climate, environmental, technological, social, and cultural change on the educational, career, and personal choices you have?

Do you have ideas to share and a desire to contribute to a global dialogue? Are you--or do you want to be--a leader, creator, writer, or artist?

Are you looking for a flexible and supportive structure for your gap year? Are you seeking a community of people with the same questions and interests?

If you answered "yes" to some or all of these questions, please read on to learn more about the Future Framers Gap Year program.

Gap years make a difference

The Gap Year Association (GYA) estimates that approximately 40,000 Americans and Canadians participate in gap year experiences every year, and the number is growing. Impacts reported in the 2020 GYA survey of US gap year participants include:

Increased my maturity 98%
Improved my self-confidence 97%
Increased my academic motivation 84%

“More and more students are stepping off the educational treadmill, pursuing interests and reminding themselves in the process of what their education is really all about.”

Robert Clagett

FORMER DEAN OF ADMISSIONS, MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

"It is vital that we, as young people, are brought into the fray of decision-making on climate change so that we may continue to represent our generation in protecting our planet."

Saoirse Exton

MEMBER OF THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL'S YOUTH ADVISORY GROUP ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Concerned about the future?

You're not alone! Research has shown that youth (ages 16-25) around the world are worried about climate change in particular, something past generations didn't need to face. (Hickman, et al., 2021)

Moderately, very, or extremely worried about climate change 85%
Think the future is frightening 75%
Feel helpless 51%

Benefits of authentic self-expression

Researchers have found that getting out of your head and expressing yourself has benefits for establishing quality relationships (Graham et al., 2008) and for health and wellbeing (Clark & Finkel, 2004; Al-Khouja et al., 2022). This is a core component of the Future Framers program.

"Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come."

Greta Thunberg

CLIMATE ACTIVIST

The Future Framers 3 Themes

You

Life skills & personal and professional development

activists making poster

World

Big-picture changes and the impact on your short- and long-term choices

Roommates cooking together

Action

Doing, creating & expressing yourself

San Francisco aerial

JULY / AUG

Optional online Summer Warm-up workshops for enrolled students: job hunt skills, starting a business, and setting gap year goals.

SEPTEMBER

Program begins! Orientation followed by weekly group online modules 6-8 hours per week.

OCTOBER

In-person Charter Camp takes place at a North American destination. Includes a week of program activities and a week of self-guided adventure.

NOVEMBER

Weekly group online sessions continue.

DECEMBER

Weekly group online sessions. Winter break begins.

JANUARY

Winter break ends. Weekly group online sessions resume.

FEBRUARY

Weekly group online sessions continue.

MARCH

Weekly group online sessions continue. Spring break week.

APRIL

In-person Capstone Camp takes place at a North American destination. Includes a week of program activities and a week of self-guided adventure.

MAY

Weekly group online sessions conclude. Completion ceremony.

Leadership

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the program: what is covered and how it is covered.

Team

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet our growing team of staff, instructors, coaches, and mentors.​

Solving Question

ATTEND INFO SESSION

Join us for an information session to learn more and have your questions answered.

Categories

APPLY!

Learn more about the Future Framers Gap Year application process for 2024-25.

Join us Wednesday, July 17 to meet Future Framers team members and learn more about the program. Parents and educators are invited!

We are excited to announce the location of the 2024-25 Future Framers Gap Year – Fall Charter Camp will be in the stunning natural beauty of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada.

This new Future Framers Gap Year is a unique program, designed to fill a “gap” in gapper program options.