Vitals
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GYA Accredited Since:
2015
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Enrolling:
Yes - Mission Statement:
A leader in the field since 2004, Omprakash offers a radically different way of approaching global engagement and cohort-based, immersive, independent learning.
We offer social impact internships with vetted grassroots organizations (Omprakash Partners) in 50+ countries around the world. We supplement the internship experience with robust, cohort-based online learning and mentorship. Our commitment is to make gap years more affordable, more ethical, and more educationally robust (through our award-winning EdGE online learning plaform).
Our Widening Circles program (https://www.omprakash.org/joinedge/widening-circles) is purpose-built to help gap year students pursue an independent global learning experience while still benefiting from a community of peer learners, mentors, and ongoing support from the Omprakash Team.
At the core, our work is about learning through relationships, and our primary goal is fundamentally educational. By forging connections within our network, we aim to "lead out" citizens of the world towards an awareness of the human community from which they are indivisible and within which they can enact change. This process helps our diverse international Partners amplify their impact, and it empowers everyone involved to become more critically conscious participants in processes of social transformation. -
Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
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Attachments
Program Locations
Typical Itinerary
Students engaging in the Widening Circles program are able to independently choose the pace of their gap year experience. Usually, they begin their reflection and learning while applying to begin an internship or volunteer opportunity with one of our Partners, and they are also encouraged to continue their learning concurrently during and/or after their work.
During internships, students’ work varies based on location. Possibilities include working in the fields of health, education, advocacy, construction, conservation, economic development, and more! Throughout their experience, students receive on-site supervision from their Partner as well as digital mentorship and guidance from their EdGE Mentor.
Program Outcomes
- Global Health
- Education
- Environmental Justice
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Conservation and sustainability
- Language Fluency
- Research
- Construction & rebuilding
- Social change
- Rights and advocacy
Learning outcomes will vary by host Partner and position. All EdGE volunteers/interns will complete a digital storytelling project, which will explore local perspectives on a social issue of interest to them and relevant to their host organization.
Program Details
- Program Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- Program Duration: Less than 2 months, Semester, Yearlong
- Typical Program Cost: The cost of our standard EdGE program is $750. Students are responsible for their own travel and living expenses, which vary by Partner and location, but typically range from $0-$25 per day.
- Program Financial Aid: Yes
- Other Financial Aid Details:
While the standard program fee is $750 for most participants, fee reductions are offered on an individual basis depending on financial need. Those who indicate life experiences and current financial situations that do not align with the middle/upper class experiences, this fee can be reduced to $450.
Furthermore, Omprakash offers a competitive Ethical Global Engagement Grant program and the ability for participants to engage in crowdfunding within the EdGE platform to help reduce tuition and travel expenses. Anyone is eligible to participate in these opportunities regardless of nationality, age, gender, religion, or any other background.
Staff Training and Certification
Omprakash EdGE has won 3 Reimagine Education Awards, and a 2018 Ashoka U Innovation Award.
Read more about the Omprakash team and our Partners on our website (www.omprakash.org).