ACCREDITATION
Berridge Programs is proud to be a fully accredited gap year program with the Gap Year Association. The Gap Year Association holds the official Standards Development Organization title for Gap Year Organizations in the United States as recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Accredited Gap Year Programs have passed GYA’s robust accreditation process for program providers, demonstrating that they meet the highest standards in the field of gap year education.
As an accredited provider, you can earn college credit on our programs and use 529 College Savings Plan funds to pay for your program tuition.
COLLEGE CREDIT
The GYA offers college credits through University of Montana (UM) to students attending GYA-accredited programs. These credits can be earned while you are on the program through reflection on your experience, creative projects you complete and a final essay you will write under the guidance of an assigned faculty mentor. Each program includes mentoring sessions for participants enrolled in the for-credit option to help you complete your coursework during your time with us. Participants can earn up to 6 college credits by completing the following two courses:
COLS 191: Self & Culture in Experiential Cohorts
Through readings, reflections, and applications to real-world examples, students will examine the
roles that culture, identity, and communication play in cohort formation within personal, academic, and/or
professional settings. You will complete a reflective journal about your gap year experience and an 8-10 page essay reflecting your understanding of group dyanmics and the cohort experience. You can read the full course description HERE.
CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development
The course is designed to introduce students to the principles, theories, and practices of
leadership development. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, self-reflection, and practical
applications to lived experiences, students will gain insights into effective leadership strategies,
communication skills, and ethical decision-making. You will complete a reflective journal (you can complete ONE journal for both courses) and write an 8-10 page essay reflecting your understanding of leadership styles and your development as a leader. You can read the full course description HERE.
529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS
Participants can use 529 College Savings Plan funds to pay for their program tuition when they enroll in the college credit option. Check with your plan administrator to see if these funds can be paid directly to the program provider (Berridge Programs) or need to be paid to the school of record (University of Montana) Please note that if tuition fees need to be paid through U of M, you must enroll for the credit option 6 weeks before your program start date. If they can be paid directly to us, the program provider, you can enroll in the credit option 2 weeks before your program start date.
Steps for Using 520 College Savings Plan Funds:
Step 1: Complete your Berridge Programs zoom interview and application.
Step 2: Once you are accepted on the program, email your Berridge Programs academic advisor to register your intention to pursue college credit. Be sure to contact your plan administrator beforehand so you can inform us if you need your tuition fees to be paid to the U of M in order to qualify.
Step 3: Select your UM courses from those listed above and complete the enrollment form.
Step 4: Pay a $1950 tuition fee for your course credit. This is in addition to your regular program fees. This is a flat fee which covers as many courses as you would like to take.
Step 5: The Gap Year Association and your UM Instructor of Record will then get in touch with you directly with your course syllabus, next steps and work with you throughout the program.
Step 6: Submit all course work, journals and papers directly to your Instructor of Record within 30 days after your program completion date.
Step 7: Official grading will be completed by your Instructor of Record. You will receive your transcript directly from the University of Montana 3-4 weeks after you have received your grades.