Charting Your Path: Vocational and Life Skills with PlaceCore

PlaceCore, spearheaded by Dawn Breeze, its passionate program director, offers a transformative gap year program designed for young adults aged 18 to 21. Situated in Kingston, New York, the nine-month initiative provides a comprehensive experience that bridges the gap between high school and college, or during college years, for those undecided about their future paths.

Dawn describes PlaceCore as, "a community where young people can pause, engage, and discover what they truly want from their futures." The program emphasizes experiential learning, where participants undertake a range of activities from practical building projects, such as boat construction with the Hudson River Maritime Museum, to innovative community service projects.

One notable initiative involves making menstrual products publicly and freely available. Dawn explains, "We've partnered with local artists and landscape designers on a project we call the Moon Trail, where we've set up period pantries across the city to address essential needs openly and without stigma."

PlaceCore is committed to inclusivity in education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation. "We operate on an equitable cost model, ensuring that anyone accepted into our program can attend regardless of their financial situation," Dawn states. This approach allows the program to offer need-based scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees.

The mission of PlaceCore goes beyond mere skill acquisition; it aims to integrate young adults into their community, helping them to find a sense of belonging and purpose. Dawn emphasizes, "Our goal is to cultivate a calling in our fellows to know, love, and serve their places, expanding what it means to serve."

For those interested in exploring a gap year filled with growth, learning, and community engagement, further details can be found on the PlaceCore website at www.placecore.org. This program promises not just to prepare participants for their future educational and vocational endeavors but also to instill a deep, lifelong appreciation for community service and personal development.

Listen to the interview here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radio-rotary/episodes/Charting-Your-Path-Vocational-and-Life-Skills-with-PlaceCore-e2isa1l