A Gap Program With Purpose
Our ELEVATE program will provide young people (ages 18-22) with a variety of experiences designed to build confidence and to provide life skills training. The three components of this program are employment experiences in the hospitality industry (rotating through the Housekeeping and Food Service departments), outdoor adventures, and meaningful community service.
With the ELEVATE program, you’re not just working; you’re part of a cause. With a shared commitment to improving health and well-being in the community and supporting our neighbors, your contributions through ELEVATE provide you the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We are a community with an everyday mission to helping you achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body. We do that through both structured and free-time opportunities to enjoy the multitude of recreational activities available in our stunning Rocky Mountain locale. Learn more about what ELEVATE can offer you, our location, and how to apply. Start your journey towards a meaningful and enriching experience with the Y.
Meet some of our team members.
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ELEVATE has given me more life and work experience, to try things out and see what I like. The people and mentors are the best part in helping me explore what I want to do.
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Being forced out of my comfort zone has helped me learn about myself and others. I have loved every minute of it.
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By the end of the first week, we all felt like family. I have been able to adapt and thrive in a new environment. It’s hard to find one word that encompasses it all.
Ready to start the ELEVATE application process?
That’s great! Applications are now open for the 2018 and 2019 programs.
- Seasonal employment experiences in the hospitality industry (rotating through Food Service and Housekeeping)
- Meaningful community service opportunities
- Recreational opportunities (both scheduled and informal) to explore our beautiful natural setting and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park
- A week-long service trip to allow for deeper personal reflection and relationship building with other participants
- Regularly-scheduled small-group workshops and training sessions on topics of interest
- Opportunities to continue working at YMCA of the Rockies for up to 4 additional months as seasonal, or pursue a full-time opening with us
- Fall Semester: mid-August through mid-December
- Spring Semester: mid-January through mid-May
The program fee is $600.00. Fifty dollars of this fee is payable at the time of application. The program fee helps to defray the costs of training sessions, activity fees, and other expenses.
Our goal is to better prepare you to face upcoming challenges such as starting/finishing college, applying for/engaging in employment opportunities and living independently. There are also a variety of training and certification opportunities (which may include CPR, WFA, etc.). You’ll live and learn as part of an intentional community within our YMCA center.
- Room (housing in a dormitory style building includes internet access, heat, water, electric and no bills!)
- Board (3 buffet style meals, 7 days per week)
- Access to the YMCA of the Rockies facilities, which include: an indoor pool, basketball gymnasium, fitness classes, hiking/biking/skiing trails, climbing wall, library, and Craft and Design Center
- Free passes for skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and golf, as well as free gear rentals (dependent on season and resort – limited number available, first come first served basis)
- Employee programming, including free or discounted staff trips, provided by the Residence Office
- Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges (with some date restrictions based on season/occupancy)
Pet Policy—Though we would love to welcome your pets, unfortunately we cannot allow animals of any kind, with the exception of certified service animals.