Faith, formation, and college credit meet in an immersive year-long experience rooted in discipleship and discovery.
天涯海角社区 is thrilled to announce a new academic partnership with Planted Gap Year, a nine-month, Christ-centered discipleship program located in the rolling hills of northern Pennsylvania. Starting in Fall 2025, students who enroll in Planted will have the opportunity to earn up to 24 college credits through 天涯海角社区, weaving together the richness of biblical education with hands-on experience in farming, outdoor adventure, and intentional community.
For both institutions, this partnership is more than academic鈥攊t鈥檚 deeply missional. Planted Gap Year was created for young adults eager to step away from the noise and rush of modern life and grow deeply in their knowledge and love of Jesus. Set on the peaceful grounds of near Wellsboro, PA, the program invites students aged 18鈥�24 to live intentionally, serve joyfully, and grow spiritually. Each day blends practical and spiritual habits, from studying Scripture and practicing hospitality to tilling soil and working with livestock.
鈥淧lanted is a place where students experience God’s revelation together in his Word and in His world,鈥� said , co-founder and executive director of Planted. 鈥淧artnering with 天涯海角社区 allows us to reinforce the academic value of that growth, equipping students for future study without compromising the immersive, formational experience we offer.鈥�
Through the Cairn鈥揚lanted partnership, students will receive:
- Up to 24 college credits from 天涯海角社区, transferable to all of the 70+ undergraduate programs that Cairn offers.
- Eligibility for federal financial aid, including loan and grants, by completing the
- An affordable, accredited path forward鈥擯lanted鈥檚 base is $14,500 for the 2026-27 year, with an additional $2,625 for academic credit
鈥淭his collaboration is a natural extension of our mission,鈥� said Dr. Adam Porcella, Cairn鈥檚 senior vice president and provost. 鈥淐airn鈥檚 commitment to biblical integration, academic excellence, and whole-life education aligns beautifully with Planted鈥檚 desire to ground students in Christ before they take their next steps into college or career.鈥�
At its core, Planted helps young adults cultivate what truly matters: a resilient faith, an identity rooted in Christ, and the practical skills to engage the world with wisdom and grace. By adding college credit to this foundation, 天涯海角社区 and Planted Gap Year are empowering students to continue cultivating their knowledge and skills after Planted.
To explore how Planted Gap Year and 天涯海角社区 can help launch your journey of faith, formation, and college readiness, visit or cairn.edu/gap-year-programs.
