GAP YEAR EXPERIENCES

DefinitionsBenefitsOptions

“A Prolonged Period Between Life Stages”

Why the Treadmill?

A British Tradition Time out to develop,

mature, grow, “find oneself”

Structured or unstructured programs

The difference between“stopping out” and “dropping out”

is a well-conceived plan.

Benefits of a Gap Year

Alternative to Mainstream Education– Recharge, Rethink, Reorient– Explore Career Options

Taste the “Real World”– Explore career options– Develop educational priorities

Develop Independence Without Academic Demands

Range of Programs

Internships and Employment Community Service Travel Academics In a New Setting

Costs and Risks

Go To College $25-50k / year 50% chance of

graduation 4 to 6 year plan Incur debt in 1st

year

Take Time Off $5-50k / year Higher chance of

completion 5 to 7 year plan Incur little or no debt

in 1st year

Internships

9 month residential program, ages 17-22 – Individualized placement and mentoring– Career advising and college counseling– Outward Bound program in Maine– Live in group housing, share responsibilities– Community service– Adding services for LD in Jan. 2010

80% go on (or back in) to higher education

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are needed to see this picture.

Travel

Semester-long travel adventures– China, India, Himalayas,

Andes/Amazon, West Africa, Mekong River

Elements– Home stays– Language immersion– Community service

Where There Be Dragons

Community Service

Tutors and mentors in high- need urban areas

Work in diverse teams of 6-12 youth

Structured program, 12-hour days

19 sites around the country Pays stipend, insurance,

education allowance, but not housing

Community Service

Work in teams, based in one of several regions (Denver is regional hub)

Training in CPR, safety, and other skills Projects vary throughout the 10 months Receive housing, stipend, health

insurance, and education allowance

Academic Transition

Post-Graduate Year College Campus--and

Credits Structured Residential

Program Tutoring and Support

for LD Develop Plan for Higher

Ed Transfer to Mitchell and

Beyond

Thames Academy at Mitchell College