Gap Year Associates
Setting the standards for
transformative gap year experiences.
The Gap Year Association (GYA) is a nonprofit association that advocates for intentional, high quality gap year experiences that set students up for success in life.
Why take a gap year, and
what are the options?
Start HereResearch on gap year alumni has shown that:
0%
had a gap year that increased their self-confidence
0%
felt a competitive advantage applying for college/jobs
0%
felt better prepared for their next steps in life
0%
had a gap year that influenced their choice of career
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Download our Gap Year Planning Guide
Download GYA’s FREE Planning Guide for help mapping out your gap year plan.
GYA Accreditation & Standards
GYA holds the Standards Development Organization (SDO) title for gap year education in the U.S., and oversees a robust application process for programs and consultants pursuing GYA Accreditation.
GYA College Credit Program
Students on participating Accredited GYA programs are eligible to enroll in independent study coursework for college credit through GYA’s School of Record relationship with the University of Montana.
Gap Year Stories
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The biggest thing a year of travel provided me was the confidence to take charge, take risks, and make mistakes.
I needed to lose the security net, and figure things out for myself. Whether this meant going somewhere I didn’t know the language or struggling with currency—these were all life skills that I had to experience alone and with consequence.
— Kali W.
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My gap time significantly impacted by career path! I learned that it is possible to combine personal interests and my career and that I didn’t have to take the traditional path of getting a corporate job.
If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take a semester or year away from the classroom, do it! The personal growth I experienced on my gap semester was monumental and has positively impacted every aspect of my life.
— Anne K.
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I doubt I would have pursued my Master’s in Social Justice and Human Rights had I not taken a gap year with AmeriCorps.
Reading Partners instilled in me the value of reading, and the idea that education is a form of social justice. I never thought I would enter the field of education, but here I am!
— Nemanja D.
