Summit Gap Year Experience 2026–2027

Students Under Missions Ministry Intern Training (SUMMIT)

Summit Gap Year Experience 2026–2027

Are you a young adult longing to live on mission, grow in your faith, and experience God’s work in both your city and across the world?

The Summit Gap Year Experience is a two-semester discipleship and missions training journey for high school graduates and young adults (ages 18–24) who are serious about following Jesus and discovering their unique calling.

Over the course of eight months, participants will be immersed in theology, spiritual formation, and hands-on service—first in Kansas City, and then for 90 life-changing days in Kenya. This program is designed to grow missional leaders who know the Word, serve the Church, and bring the hope of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

What to Expect

Semester 1 (Fall 2026)
Local Cross-Cultural Immersion & Equipping – Kansas City (90 Days) consists of:

Weekly classes on theology and cross-cultural missions
Serve 5–10 hours/week with City Teams & Abundant Life Church
Leadership development and spiritual disciplines
May choose to take college courses or have a part-time job
Biblical leadership development through ALLI: The Gospel of Luke

Semester 2 (Spring 2027)
International Cross-Cultural Field Experience – Kenya (90 Days) consists of:

Serve in areas such as orphan care, education, health care, church planting, and sustainability
Biblical leadership development through ALLI: The Book of Acts
Team-based learning, journaling, and reflection
Live on a secure mission compound with local partners and missionaries

The Mission Strategy

You’ll live out Acts 1:8:
Jerusalem – people who live near me and are culturally like me
Judea and Samaria – people who live near me, but are not culturally like me
Uttermost – people who do not live near me and are not culturally like me

Requirements

To participate, students must:

Be 18–24 with a high school diploma or GED
Be actively involved in Fusion or Paradigm for at least 1 year
Be recommended/approved by Fusion/Paradigm Staff
Complete interview
Complete Discipleship 1, Next Steps prior to application
Complete Live Sent Class by end of 1^st Semester of The GAP Year
Enroll in or have completed ALLI
Demonstrate a clear sense of mission and calling
Complete a background check & GAP Year Experience Application

Program Cost

The Program cost is $6,500. Note that a $1500 scholarship will be awarded to each participant after their full payment of $5000. This scholarship will not be applied towards flights and not considered part of any reimbursement for any reason.

The $6500 cost includes the following: International and in-country airfare roundtrip, lodging, transportation, meals, supplies/materials, activities and safari.

Payment 1: $250 – Due June 1, 2026
Payment 2: $2250 – Due September 15, 2026
Payment 3: $2500 – Due December 1, 2026
Payment 4: $1500 scholarship applied – Spring 2026

Fundraising support encouraged and provided.

This is more than a missions trip. It’s a calling. A catalyst. A Kingdom investment in your future.

If you’re ready to take a step of faith, serve boldly, and deepen your walk with Jesus, apply now and let the Summit Gap Year Experience shape your next chapter.

Summit Gap Year Experience 2026–2027