NEWS

Sometimes a pause is just what is needed.

Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education and Boise State University have partnered up to offer Bronco and Bulldogs Gap Year, a program to support high school graduates or current university students who want to take an intentional and structured pause before starting or restarting their college journey.

The program offers students more time to learn about opportunities and explore their academic and career goals without the full time and financial commitment of a traditional college semester.

“We have found a true partner in Louisiana Tech,” said Kelly Myers, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Boise State. “Louisiana Tech and Boise State share an unwavering commitment to innovative student support. We constantly seek new ways to remove barriers and enhance opportunities for students. Through our Gap Year collaboration, we are creating a new kind of onramp into or back into the college experience, one that empowers students to engage with increased confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.”

Students participating in the program can choose to attend for one or two semesters, beginning in September and January. Currently, it is a virtual program, providing interested individuals, no matter their location, the opportunity to participate. With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to lift, there are on-site activities also being planned for this academic year to enhance the virtual experience and give participants access to Louisiana Tech University’s campus and resources including the Louisiana Tech Career Center.

“Because each learner is unique,” said Dr. Lindsey Vincent, associate dean of research, outreach and innovation in the College of Education at Louisiana Tech. “A year of exploration and personal growth may help students have a more positive and successful post-secondary experience at a community college or University once they identify their strengths and interests and commit to continuing their formal education. We are grateful to partner with Boise State University on this initiative given their track record of success with gap year programming and their commitment to high-quality, comprehensive student support.”

Participants will join a cohort of students, led by a faculty member and a current college student. Academic support tools such as interest inventories, competency assessments, and Coursera transdisciplinary content and credentialing opportunities are embedded to ensure personalized learning and student success. Funding is made available through Boise State University to sponsor a select number of students for the inaugural partnership effort this fall.

Dean Don Schillinger of the College of Education said, “We are appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate with BSU to implement this innovative program that benefits Louisiana learners in achieving their academic and career goals.”

For more information or to apply for one of the limited spots in the initial program, contact Vincent at lbkv@latech.edu. The deadline for candidate applications is Sept. 20.