ELEVATE
WHY SAN DIEGO OR SAN FRANCISCO?
At first glance, spending 10 weeks in California may seem like a vacation instead of a mission trip or leadership project.
​
A centerpiece of Elevate is that students work 20-35 hours per week. This allows students to make the necessary money while growing in his/her leadership and spiritual development. There are few places in the United States where we can be guaranteed that a large group of people will be employed just for the summer… and with many tourist activities and a broad range of employers, San Diego and San Francisco are two of those places.
​
Additionally, an organization we partner with - The North American Mission Board - has named San Diego and San Francisco two of it’s most strategic cities. Though it may seem like a glamorous place to spend the summer, both cities are among the most unreached when it comes to the Gospel. There are roughly 3.1 million people living in San Diego, with only 9.8 percent of them claiming to be followers of Jesus. In San Francisco, 10.1% of 7.8 million people claim to be followers of Jesus.
​
The goal of a traditional mission trip is to meet tangible needs in hopes of creating a pathway to share the Gospel. The needs of the average person in large metropolitan areas mirror the needs of those on a college campus: the need to be known in relationships that go beyond surface level. In American culture, this is often the key access point to communicate the love of Jesus through the Gospel.
​
​
Because of these things, San Diego and San Francisco are prime places for students to spend the summer learning what it means to plant churches, interact with people who don’t share their beliefs, develop and practice leadership skills, work and even have a little fun along the way.
WHAT WILL MY STUDENT GAIN FROM ELEVATE?
​
We believe that leadership capacity is the economy of the future. As a church, our desire is to send students from college campuses into the world to be influencers of people in whatever sphere they chose to enter.
​
We have created an experience that will:
Equip students to lead themselves
Equip students lead others on their campus and in their workplaces.
​
Students will learn how to implement and apply their faith to their everyday lives by:
Developing relationships with a variety of people
Navigating conflict with roommates
Collaborating on a team
Managing money
Managing time
Cooking & cleaning
Exhibiting a strong work ethic
Ultimately, we desire for this experience to serve as a significant stepping stone in the process of becoming an adult for each student.
​
​
We have seen students return to campus eager to implement what they’ve learned to make a difference in their classes, their Greek houses and their dorms.
COST
What does the $2500 cover?
Food Budget (Room & Village)
On Site Transportation
Project Events
Education Resources
Swag
Emergency Fund
TRANSPORTATION
TO AND FROM ELEVATE:
Travel arrangements to and from Elevate are not included in the $2500 cost of the project. Many students choose to carpool to Elevate and divide the cost of gas among themselves. However, if your son or daughter wishes to purchase a plane or train ticket, transportation will be available for arrival and departure times.
​
Should students wish to raise additional support (above $2500) to cover travel expenses (gas, hotel stays, or flight) reimbursements will be issued upon submission of a valid receipt of purchase, pending the excess funds available in your child’s account. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse travel meals. We are willing and would love to help students coordinate rides or flights, as well with making decisions in planning travel arrangements upon request.
​
ON SITE:
On site transportation for day-to-day use is covered in the cost of Elevate. We budget for each student to receive access to public transportation (bus, train, trolley, etc). This gives students access to metro-travel that will take them anywhere in the city. If your student chooses to drive their own vehicle to San Diego or San Francisco for the summer, they will receive a reimbursement check equal to the cost of summer-long public transportation to go toward the cost of gas.
EMPLOYMENT
Elevate Employment Requirement: 20-35 hours/week
Your student is able to obtain any type of employment that suits them, as long as it meets the requirement for hours/week, is connected with others in the workplace and is able to attend project specific activities.
​
As soon as your student is accepted, they are encouraged to begin searching for employment opportunities prior to the start of the project. The first two weeks of Elevate are designated for students to search for employment on site from 9AM-5PM daily; however, we strongly suggest setting up interviews and/or acquiring employment prior to the project to allow the maximum window of time to earn summer income.
​
​Because employment is a centerpiece of Elevate, if your student does not obtain a job within the first two weeks, they will be released from the project. In the history of this project, this has not been an issue, with every student acquiring a job by the deadline each year.
PROGRAMMING
How will students spend their time during the week?
Sunday:
Morning: Elevate Team Meetings (participate in design & accomplishing goals of project specific teams)
Afternoon: Sunday Gathering
Evening: Beach/Park Party (invite co-workers, friends from around the city).
Monday:
Morning & Afternoon: Work until 5PM
Evening: Discipleship Group
Tuesday:
Morning & Afternoon: Work until 5PM
Evening: Teaching/Content Night
Wednesday:
Morning & Afternoon: Work until 5PM
Evening: Village (dinner & spiritual discussion with others on project & friends from the city)
Thursday-Saturday:
Students are free to work any shifts on these days.
​
*We ask students to engage in evangelism on the college campus nearest them at least one day per week when not at work. Additionally, students meet with their room leader once per week for intentional conversation related to their personal spiritual and leadership development.