Recent high school graduates or even current college students who have decided to take a gap year have traditionally tried to continue their education through travel, internships or volunteer projects -- avenues currently limited by the global coronavirus pandemic. Now, though, they have the option of staying connected to a higher education track through Adelphi University's new Gap Year Experience.
The 11-week program runs September 7 through November 20 (and repeats February 1 through April 16). It includes three weeks of training followed by eight weeks of projects working with a small team on projects for businesses or organizations, much like an internship. The program will run remotely, allowing students to connect and collaborate from anywhere in the world.
"Adelphi's Gap Year Experience is designed for students to learn problem-solving skills through a project-based approach," said Graziela Fusaro, director of the University's Center for Innovation. "Students will be divided into multidisciplinary teams and develop a consulting project for a selected partner company -- four to eight per group."
Students will have an average weekly commitment of 10-15 hours a week. By participating in a combination of a guest speaker series, lectures, company meetings, and team exercises, students will learn problem-solving frameworks and professional skills.
Projects will cover a wide range of subjects in business strategy, marketing, social work, health and other areas according to student interest and partner company engagement. Students will be able to choose to work with either a domestic or an international partner including Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and start-ups.
Skills acquired from or enhanced by the experience include learning by doing, team-building with students from different backgrounds and interests, gaining digital experience (including working remotely), and "test driving" a planned college major by trying projects in different areas and exploring possible career paths.
Participants have the option of earning either three college credits or a certification. The program is open to those planning on continuing their education at Adelphi or students from other colleges and universities both domestic or international, as well as those undecided about their higher education plans.
To learn more or apply, visit www.adelphi.edu/gap-year. Students should apply for the fall term by August 24, 2020 (or spring term January 18, 2021). Applicants will be contacted by the Innovation Center staff for an individual interview or webinar shortly after the application is received.
About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning.
Adelphi University is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university offering exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training with particular strength in its Core Four-Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Adelphi is dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support student success.
Founded in Brooklyn in 1896, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. Today Adelphi serves nearly 8,000 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online.
More than 116,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, caring citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.