Gap Year
Does your learner need a little more time to figure it all out? Many students are not ready to begin their futures at 17, 18 or 19 years old. They need some experiences as a young adult to begin the process of formulating a plan for the next few years of their lives. Gap years are growing in popularity as pressure mounts to make decisions about college, and few alternatives are presented to our youth. Spending some time in the world can help provide some focus and direction. Here are some resources to help young people think differently about their post-high school life, and to help parents see to it that a Gap Year doesn't lead to a year of couch surfing and video game playing!
American Conservation Experience
For those interested in land management and conservation, a stint in the Conservation Corps for 3-6 months can help them explore possibilities and gain new skills to move into a new career. For individuals ages 18-35, a stipend and housing are provided.
AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer
Those uncertain about their next step after high school might want to look at a year of volunteering. AmeriCorps' Vista program is worth looking at.
American Gap Association
This site is chock full of links to programs, counselors, and data about the benefits of high school graduates taking a gap year. Settle in and start clicking, and you will learn about all kinds of options for creating a meaningful gap year experience, as well as understanding why it might be important for your learner!
Uncollege
Offering a unique Gap Year experience, visit the Uncollege web site to explore what they have to offer. While not inexpensive, it might just be worth the $15,000 to have mentors teach your young adult to think differently about their future.
40 Alternatives to College - PDF book
This PDF e-book will get your student's mind thinking in many different directions, including pursuing interests for a solid year to determine if a career could spring from that, such as volunteering, adventuring, etc. Whether you agree or disagree with this author's perspectives, there are more ideas here than merely "work" or "military", and reading it might lead to other ideas as well.
Does your learner need a little more time to figure it all out? Many students are not ready to begin their futures at 17, 18 or 19 years old. They need some experiences as a young adult to begin the process of formulating a plan for the next few years of their lives. Gap years are growing in popularity as pressure mounts to make decisions about college, and few alternatives are presented to our youth. Spending some time in the world can help provide some focus and direction. Here are some resources to help young people think differently about their post-high school life, and to help parents see to it that a Gap Year doesn't lead to a year of couch surfing and video game playing!
American Conservation Experience
For those interested in land management and conservation, a stint in the Conservation Corps for 3-6 months can help them explore possibilities and gain new skills to move into a new career. For individuals ages 18-35, a stipend and housing are provided.
AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer
Those uncertain about their next step after high school might want to look at a year of volunteering. AmeriCorps' Vista program is worth looking at.
American Gap Association
This site is chock full of links to programs, counselors, and data about the benefits of high school graduates taking a gap year. Settle in and start clicking, and you will learn about all kinds of options for creating a meaningful gap year experience, as well as understanding why it might be important for your learner!
Uncollege
Offering a unique Gap Year experience, visit the Uncollege web site to explore what they have to offer. While not inexpensive, it might just be worth the $15,000 to have mentors teach your young adult to think differently about their future.
40 Alternatives to College - PDF book
This PDF e-book will get your student's mind thinking in many different directions, including pursuing interests for a solid year to determine if a career could spring from that, such as volunteering, adventuring, etc. Whether you agree or disagree with this author's perspectives, there are more ideas here than merely "work" or "military", and reading it might lead to other ideas as well.