How can I afford a Gap Year?
It Begins Here
You don’t wait until you’re in Costa Rica to begin learning, growing, and developing. This is your first “crisis of faith” in the gap year program. I remember an experience my son Aspen had when he was only eleven. We had just finished a 3-day hike on the Appalachian Trail with our youth group, and the final activity was repelling down the 150 feet of Chickies Rock.
What was the hardest part? Yep, walking off the cliff backward. The guide called it a “crisis of faith” because you have to choose whether to trust logic or to trust the guide.
It’s time to trust the Guide. Where He leads, He feeds; where He guides, He provides. Or as we say in Spanish, “El que invita, paga.” You may not know this little cultural truth, but here, the person who invites you to eat at a restaurant is expected to pay. So the phrase says, “He who inivtes, pays.” Is God inviting you? Then read on and take a little step of faith.
Fundraising
You will be serving with a missionary family, so this is absolutely something you can invite your community to support you financially in. Not only will you be built up as a leader, you’ll be investing in the lives of other missionaries and local Costa Rican churches and worship teams.
Work and Save
I love this one!
Loans
Some student loans can be used to fund educational experiences during a gap year, especially if the program includes accredited coursework. (we’re working on this!)
Sponsorship and Partnerships
Local Businesses: Approach local businesses for sponsorships in exchange for promoting their business on social media or through community events.
Non-Profits: Partnering with non-profits that align with your mission can sometimes lead to funding support.
Creative Solutions
Skill-Based Fundraising:
Offer Services: Use your skills to offer services such as tutoring, music lessons, or graphic design to raise funds.
Sell Handmade Goods: Create and sell handmade crafts, baked goods, or art to raise money.
Auctions and Raffles:
Organize Auctions: Collect donated items from local businesses and hold an auction.
Raffle Tickets: Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win donated prizes.
Grants
GoOverseas has a list of grants at https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/gap-year-scholarships
Gap Year Association lists grants at https://www.gapyearassociation.org/gap-year-financial-aid/
Go Abroad lists grants at https://www.goabroad.com/articles/gap-year/scholarships-for-gap-year-students
Bold.org lists scholarships at https://bold.org/scholarships/by-type/gap-year-scholarships/
The Gap Year Hub lists grants at https://thegapyearhub.com/travel-grants-scholarships/
Scholarships 360 lists grants at https://scholarships360.org/college-admissions/what-is-a-gap-year/
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. While not exclusively for gap year programs, this scholarship supports Christian education and service, which can be applied to gap year experiences. Website: Lilly Endowment Scholarships
Denominational Grants:
Various denominations offer grants and scholarships for mission work and gap year programs. Check with your denominational headquarters or local diocese for available opportunities.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Financial Support
Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships, grants, and fellowships well in advance of your gap year.
Personalize Applications: Tailor your applications to highlight how your gap year aligns with the goals of the funding organization. Emphasize your commitment to Christian service and mission.
Leverage Community Support: Engage your church community in your fundraising efforts. They may offer financial support or help organize fundraising events.
Combine Resources: Use a mix of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and personal fundraising to cover the costs of your gap year.
By exploring these options and utilizing available resources, you can find financial support for your Christian gap year program and make your mission-focused year possible.
