How long is the program?
Threshold typically runs from the last or second-to-last weekend in August through the first weekend in May. The year includes breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter/Spring Break.

What age students can attend?
Threshold is designed for students who have graduated from high school and will be 21 or younger at the time of their Threshold graduation in May.

Where will Threshold be located?
As of Summer 2026, Threshold is still searching for its launch location. We are in conversation with several camps and retreat centers throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and we will make a clear announcement once a host partnership is secured.

How many students will be in the program?
Threshold’s long-term cohort size will be capped at 32 students. In our launch year, we expect a smaller cohort of 8–16 students, ideally with a balanced mix of male and female students.

Is Threshold only for students planning to attend college?
Not at all. Threshold is for students discerning many different next steps, including college, the workforce, trade school, military service, ministry, or something else entirely.

What is Threshold Gap Year’s Statement of Faith?
Threshold formally adopts the Reforming Catholic Confession statement of faith, a shared statement of faith created by Protestant theologians in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Threshold is an interdenominational Christian program rooted in historic Christian faith. Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox students are welcome.

Is Threshold officially launched yet?
Not yet. Threshold is currently recruiting students interested in our first cohorts for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028.

Students and families who begin the process now will receive clear updates as launch details are finalized and will have the opportunity to be part of Threshold’s founding story.

What still needs to happen before launch?
The major remaining steps are finalizing Threshold’s host location, confirming our accredited academic partner, and hiring and onboarding our launch staff.

Most of our programming and curriculum has already been developed, and we have already received strong interest from potential staff. We are actively working to secure the partnerships and team needed for launch.

What happens if I am accepted but Threshold is not able to launch on time?
If we are not confident that Threshold can provide an excellent experience and strong value for students, we will delay launch rather than move forward prematurely.

If that happens, we will communicate clearly with accepted students and families throughout the process. All deposits and tuition payments would be refunded in full.

Will deposits or tuition payments be refundable if launch is delayed or canceled?
Yes. If Threshold is unable to launch on schedule, all deposits and tuition payments will be refunded in full.

How do I start the admissions process?
Start by filling out the Student Interest Form. It is simple, low-pressure, and helps us begin the conversation.

Is Threshold selective?
Yes, but not in the way people may expect.

We believe the best admissions process for a program like Threshold is self-selective. If we are clear about what students should expect, the right students tend to lean in, and others may realize this is not the right fit. Both outcomes are good.

A student’s willingness to engage matters deeply. Nobody benefits when a student attends against their will — not the student, the cohort, the family, or the staff.

Can parents fill out the Interest Form for their student?
Because student ownership is central to Threshold, we ask students to fill out the Interest Form themselves.

If that creates a challenge for any reason, please reach out. We’re happy to talk more.

Contact: info@thresholdgapyear.org

What happens after I submit the Student Interest Form?
A Threshold staff member, usually Gavin, will reach out within one business day to schedule a follow-up call with the student.

What are you looking for in applicants?
We are looking for students who are up for a challenge.

Students do not need to have everything figured out, but it helps when they come into the process with their own questions, a real desire to understand the program, and a willingness to engage when things get challenging.

If a student understands the kind of year they are stepping into, wants the kind of environment Threshold is trying to create, and is willing to stay engaged through challenge, that gives us a strong foundation.

How much does Threshold cost?
As of Summer 2026, projected tuition for Threshold is $26,000.

This is designed to be a comprehensive program cost, including housing, meals, travel, programming, and college credit. Families should not expect major hidden costs for books, program travel, or supplies, though students may need to purchase a few personal items such as hiking shoes, wool socks, or other basic gear.

For context, the average published tuition and fees alone at private nonprofit four-year colleges was $45,000 for the 2025–26 academic year, before room, board, books, travel, or other costs.

Are scholarships available?
We hope to offer scholarships as funding becomes available, but Threshold is still developing its scholarship donor base.

Once our accredited academic partnership is finalized, we expect federal aid options to become clearer through that partnership. State-level aid will depend on our eventual host location and the location of our partnering college or university.

If you know of an organization or individual who may want to contribute toward future student scholarships, please contact us at info@thresholdgapyear.org.

What is included in tuition?
Almost everything. Tuition includes room, board, meals, program travel, books, programming, and college credit.

Students may need to purchase a few personal items, such as hiking shoes, wool socks, or basic outdoor gear, but families should not expect major hidden fees. (And let us know if you find any, so we can snuff them out!)

Will students earn college credit?
That is the plan. Final course offerings are still being developed, but courses are expected to fall into areas such as Bible literacy, discipleship, leadership, communication, calling, and practical life skills.

Will the credits transfer to another college?
Once Threshold’s academic partnership is finalized, credits will come directly from our partnering institution, not from Threshold Gap Year.

Transferability will depend on the receiving college or university. Some credits may transfer as electives, especially for students entering highly specific programs such as nursing, education, trade school, or other technical degrees.ription

What does a typical day on campus look like?
When we are not traveling, students typically begin the day with breakfast together, followed by set-aside time alone with God.

Mornings often include class or experiential learning. Afternoons may include service, physical activity, reading, assignments, or projects. Evenings often include worship, group events, small groups, or community time.

What kind of community expectations will students have?
Threshold has a full policy manual available upon request. Until launch, this document is still being finalized, but we are happy to share the current version with interested students and families.

Contact us at info@thresholdgapyear.org.

Do students need to be outdoorsy or athletic?
No. Students do not need to be athletes or have prior outdoor experience to attend Threshold.

The program is being designed for students with a variety of body types and experience levels. That said, some parts of the year will require physical participation. If you have concerns, we are happy to talk through specifics and help create a readiness plan if needed.

Contact us at info@thresholdgapyear.org.

What kind of theological teaching is there at Threshold?
Threshold teaches in line with our statement of faith on matters of historic Christian belief.

In areas where faithful Christians hold different views, such as worship practices, women in leadership, church governance, or other secondary matters, our goal is not simply to tell students what to think, but how to think with excellence, integrity, and charity.

That means learning to ask good questions, study Scripture, consider other perspectives, face uncertainty with curiosity, and grow in both humility and conviction.

What kind of mentorship or support will students receive?
During weeks when students are not traveling, students will participate in weekly mentorship with a staff member and a peer.

These meetings include general well-being check-ins, honest conversation about life, and a practical next step to help students keep growing into the kind of person they want to become.

Is Threshold a therapeutic program?
No. Threshold is not a therapeutic program, and our staff are not professional counselors.

We care deeply about student well-being, but there may be times when we are not able to provide the level of therapeutic support a student needs. In those cases, we may need to deny admission or determine that Threshold is not the right environment at that time.

How will parents be involved during the year?
Sending a student away can be a big transition for the whole family.

To help students settle in, we ask that students do not visit home, and parents do not visit students, during the first 30 days of the program.

During the year, parents will receive weekly email updates about what the cohort has been doing and will have chances to call and talk with their student.

After the first 30 days, occasional parent visits may be welcome for things like birthdays or brief check-ins.

What is Threshold’s technology policy?
Threshold’s technology policy is a significant part of the student experience.

At the beginning of the year, students participate in a technology fast designed to help them reset their relationship with screens. During this time, students will still have scheduled opportunities to call home.

As the year progresses, the technology policy gradually shifts. Students may move from a full technology fast, to limited weekend phone access, to carefully structured weekday screen access.

By the second semester, students begin taking more ownership of their personal technology habits. The goal is not to move from “famine” to “feast” at graduation, but to help students develop sustainable guardrails for life after Threshold.