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
- Mental health
- Physical wellness
- Friends, family & community
- Work
- Coaching & mentorship
- Education & learning
- Personal finance
World
Big-picture changes and the impact on your short- and long-term choices
- Climate change
- Environmental justice
- Technology & AI
- Culture & social change
- Strategic foresight
- Careers & the future of work
Action
Doing, creating & expressing yourself
- Media, visual & performing arts
- Writing
- Community projects
- Project management
- Professional experience
- Networking
- Travel
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.
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.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the program: what is covered and how it is covered.
MEET OUR TEAM
Meet our growing team of staff, instructors, coaches, and mentors.
ATTEND INFO SESSION
Join us for an information session to learn more and have your questions answered.
APPLY!
Learn more about the Future Framers Gap Year application process for 2024-25.
Join us Tuesday, May 14 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.