about us

We want to see the next generation thrive

Discover who LeapYear is and what we're all about.
What We Believe

Something about beliefs and core values could be here.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Amet mattis pellentesque vel sit porttitor velit aenean. At ante non laoreet ut sit ultrices elit rutrum mattis. Tincidunt magna egestas amet nam.

Malesuada duis porttitor volutpat dui quis lorem nulla eu consequat. Amet at id aliquet faucibus dolor. Neque lacinia arcu tellus lorem hendrerit nullam vitae.
Our Design Principles

Our goal is to help students experience, discover, test, & become who they really are.

Starting with the Right Questions
Before deciding "what's next," we help students understand: who you are, what you love,what you’re great at, what the world needs.
Testing Over Guessing
Through hands-on projects and internships, students will discover what truly fits - before committing years of time and tuition.
Building the Whole Person
We integrate faith and character development into every experience, helping students build a foundation for a meaningful life.
Guided Independence
We provide expert coaching, proven frameworks, and a powerful network, while students learn to create opportunities and drive their own growth.
Who We Are

We’re Building a Team of Experts and Something Else Here that Provides Context and Value.

Bill Walker, PhD
Spiritual Formation
Bill Walker brings deep expertise in spiritual formation, vocational discernment, and theological education to his role at LeapYear. At both Hill House Christian Study Center at UT-Austin and the Austin Center for Faith and Work, Bill has dedicated his career to helping young adults discover their purpose and integrate faith with all aspects of life.
Haley Robison Dake
Career Design & Experiential Learning
Haley Robison Dake brings deep expertise in career development, leadership formation, strategic design, and experiential education to LeapYear. She brings both strategic excellence and practical wisdom to LeapYear's mission of developing purpose-driven leaders.
Riley Simpson
Founder & CEO
Riley founded LeapYear with a mission to transform how young adults discover and pursue their calling. Drawing from his own transformative gap year experience, Riley is passionate about giving students the tools, mentorship, and real-world experiences that create clarity and purpose as they leap into adulthood.

Our Exemplars

LeapYear is Excited to Partner with these Thought-Leaders, Speakers, Investors, Lecturers, and Allies.
Robin Bruce
Steve Teng
Mica May
Debbie Kizer
John Nehme
Monica Hinkle
Brett Hagler
Sara Miller
Michael Hole
Justin & Jennifer Gerhardt
Taylor Skaufel
Larry Smith
Justin and Amanda Terry
Who We Are

Want to be a part of the LeapYear Mission?

Whether you want to be start your own chapter, become a partner, or are interested in career opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Us for partnership opportunities, or check our LinkedIn page for other ongoing updates and career opportunities.

Ready to design your way forward?

Applications are now open through May 31, 2026
Interested in future cohorts? Join the waitlist.
Program Dates

August '26 - July ‘27

LeapYear Tuition

$23,900

Application Deadline

May 31, 2026

Apply Now