GAP YEAR EXPLORATION MONTH 2021
There's never been a more critical time to support the gap year movement amidst our shared global pandemic and shift in education as more students than ever consider taking intentional gap year time. We've always believed in the power of a meaningful gap year, but this year, we're taking this to the next level.
Join us for Gap Year Exploration Month in February 2021 as we tell the world it’s time to #explorethegapyear.
WHAT IS GAP YEAR EXPLORATION MONTH?
We’re calling on students, educators, counselors, program providers, industry groups, experiential education experts, and alumni to come together to:
- Share information about gap year opportunities, both in-person and virtual.
- Celebrate gap year students and alumni.
- Support students planning a gap year.
- Recognize the significant power and benefits of intentional gap years.
- Build a community of gap year supporters.
- Boost corporate and governmental support for the gap year movement.
- Educate schools, colleges & universities, students, and parents about the benefits of taking a gap year.
2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Check out the 2021 calendar of virtual Gap Year Exploration Month events, including the Deeper Dialogue series from GYA! In the meantime, there are great virtual events on offer from TeenLife and USA Gap Year Fairs.
(Click the calendar for more info)
FOLLOW ALONG & GET INVOLVED - #explorethegapyear
Twitter: @gapyearassociation
Instagram: @gapyearassociation
General information about Gap Year Exploration Month and the national global gap year movement happening each February.
Here's how to present the gap year, resources for your students, and ideas to connect with the movement.
You are a good gap year candidate if you don't know what you want to study at college; feel burnt out as graduation approaches; or if you have a non-academic/career interest to explore before college.
WHY GAP YEAR EXPLORATION MONTH?
We in the gap year industry believe that the life-experience gained from a meaningful gap year sets students up for success in the real world. We see first-hand the power of a gap year. Now it's time to tell the world to #explorethegapyear.
Students, Parents, Educators and Gap Year Advocates understand the power of a gap year, and we use Gap Year Exploration Month to spread the word. Check out the video from gap year alum Elliot Dawes, who explains how a gap year influenced his academic path.
Recent data echoes the sentiment that purposeful gap year time is beneficial to students. According to recent studies:
- Gap year students perform better academically than traditional students once they arrive at college (Clagett, 2014)
- 90% of gap year students begin college within a year of starting their gap year (Haigler, 2013)
- 88% of gap year graduates report that their gap year had significantly added to their employability (Hoe, 2015)
- 98% of gap year graduates report their gap year helped them develop as a person and allowed valuable time for personal reflection (Hoe, 2015)
WANT MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES?
- Gap Year Association:
- USA Gap Year Fairs: Virtual Fairs in Jan, Feb & March
- TeenLife: Program Reviews, Resources, Listings, Virtual Fairs
- Go Overseas: Program Reviews & Articles
- Covid Gap Years (soon to become students.gapyearassociation.org): Resource for Independent Planning
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Contact: dianna@gapyearassociation.org or julia@enroutegapyear.com.