Voice Up Gap Year
Connect to Your Purpose
Inspire Your More
Program Philosophy
Voice Up's Gap Year Program is built on a personalized approach to professional development for learners of all ages. The program is customized to each participant's unique talents, personal interests, and career goals spanning any discipline. The core philosophy centers around connecting people to their purpose and helping them exceed their initial expectations by focusing on meaningful work aligned with their passions.
Academic Recognition
This program is based on Voice Up's learning theory that has earned college students 3 to 6 academic credits at leading Division 1 granting institutions of higher learning throughout the U.S.
Structure - 100% Remote with Local, Regional, and National Partnership Connections
- All trainings and Zoom sessions are Live with the Founder
- All sessions are personalized.
- Duration: Flexible 6-12 month commitment
- Time Commitment: 10-20 hours per week, adaptable to individual capacity
- Required Meetings:
- One 1-hour weekly meeting on Saturdays (choice of 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, or 9:30 PM Eastern)
- One 15-minute weekly check-in with an executive team member
Key Program Elements
1. Real-World Projects: Participants work on actual projects in their chosen discipline
2. Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals in various fields
3. Collaborative Learning: Weekly meetings where participants share their projects and receive feedback from peers working on different initiatives
4. Professional Networking: Program leaders help make important industry connections
5. Portfolio Development: Detailed documentation of accomplishments, hours, and progress throughout the program
6. Flexible Schedule: Participants can pause and resume as needed to accommodate life circumstances
7. Global Impact: Participants join an organization that now impacts 1,075 cities across 49 countries (achieved in just 6 months)
Financial Structure
- Cost: $125 per week (month-to-month payment option available)
- Earning Potential: After approximately 2 months, participants who demonstrate reliability may be brought onto paid Voice Up projects that can offset program costs
Application Process
1. Initial interview to understand applicant's background and interests
2. Submission of three personal references who know the applicant well
3. Follow-up interview to confirm interest and discuss specific opportunities
Leadership Highlights of the Founder
1. Founded Voice Up, which currently impacts 1,075 cities, 49 countries in 6 months.
2. Serves as Chief for an award winning state pilot demonstration site, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) - pioneering a regional first of its kind 24/7/365 mobile crisis division from the ground up.
3. Serves on the C-suite team for a regional community mental health center overseeing 600+ staff and $50+ million dollar operating budget
4. Founded a network of independent public schools, growing the non profit from 0 to 115+ employees, including securing a $26.8 million long term facility bond investment, also attained AdvancedEd School Accreditation, along with top 5% academic learning gains.
5. Served as a legislative liaison for the TN state board of education, supporting executive legislative committees and holding responsibility for reconciling and recommending to the governor appointed board a $3.79B education funding formula allocation for 95 counties impacting 900,000 students.
The Gap Year Program offers participants direct access to the Founder's extensive experience and network, providing a unique opportunity for professional development and purpose-driven project work.