The feeling you get from doing a hard job, and doing it well. Big things like designing an alternative energy network for a homeless encampment, and small things too, like cooking a communal meal or being a dependable resource at work. High school grads have plenty of accomplishments designed to look good on college applications, but if that’s not all you’re about, you should come meet some people in Portland.
Gap year participants develop the kind of connectedness and confidence, independence and purpose that make future studies and work a success, and stay with a person for a lifetime.
We live in a world that needs your skills – whether it is building houses with Habitat for Humanity, or planting a community garden with kids at the local school. These aren’t projects dreamed up in a teacher’s lounge – they’re dreamed up by people for whom the American dream is an ambition, not a presumption.
Tivnu has given me the chance to explore my interests and passions in a supportive environment. I have learned so much about myself and how I interact with others. Tivnu has given me direction, confidence, and a huge network of interesting and hardworking people who I know I can count on in the future. Thank you Tivnu!!!
Hadara G., Participant 2015-16
Tivnu has been without a doubt the best year of my life. I have grown and been able to focus on what I want to do, and it has opened my eyes to new things I would have never thought of doing or even thought possible. I can’t wait to see how many more people’s lives get improved by this amazing program.
Ben Lefkowitz, Participant 2015-16
I believe that everyone should do at least one year of service, and that post-high school is one of the best times for that.
Nadav F., Participant 2015-16
Learn more about what happens during a Tivnu Gap Year
Tivnu in the NY Times
Taking a gap year at home can be as meaningful as doing one abroad.
Featured in The New York TimesView PDF Version
