The mission of Gap U is to provide an intentional year-long gap for at-risk high school graduates between high school graduation and post-secondary education or full-time employment for recent OSS graduates. The gap will allow graduates to spend time focused on four main areas which are vital for achieving future aspirations and self-sufficiency: writing, reading, life skills and vocational training. The morning sessions, primarily held at OSS, will be devoted to basic skills needed, i.e. reading, writing and life skills. The afternoons will be filled with vocational training, which will be provided by business partners and held at their respective places of employment. We plan to include some or all of the following vocational options dependent upon business pattern availability and student interest: consumer retail, customer service, auto service and mechanics, food service and hospitality.