what is a FIND A GAP YEAR CONSULTANT gap year (n.): an intentional period of time devoted to personal growth and exploration through experiential learning opportunities. GAP YEAR? BROWSE GAP YEAR OPTIONS

The Gap Year Association (GYA) is a nonprofit membership community for educators, students, gap year programs, consultants, counselors, and post-secondary institutions with a shared VISION of cultivating a future where gap years are widely accessible and recognized as vital to personal, professional, and educational development.

Upcoming GYA Events

GYA Membership Info Session

March 21, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST

Youth Mental Health First Aid

March 25 & 26, 2024 | 11:30 - 3:00 EST

Professional Member Forum

March 27, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST

Sustainability Committee Meeting

April 4, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST

Counselor Discussion Group

April 10, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST

GYA Counselors Institute

April 15, 16 & 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 3:30 EST

Adult Mental Health First Aid

April 22 & 23, 2024 | 11:30 - 3:00 EST

Community events

Info sessions and other events being hosted by programs, consultants, and other members in the GYA network.

NEWS & UPDATES

In February 2024, GYA officially signed the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) Accord following the release of GYA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Climate Action Plan (CAP). View GYA’s CAP, walk through the CANIE Accord signing process, and explore other sustainability resources on GYA’s Sustainability Committee webpage

2024 editions of GYA’s Gap Year Planning Guide and Gap Year Transition Guide now available. Download your copies today!

GAP YEAR ALUMNI: Fill out this 3-minute questionnaire on your gap year experience to make sure your gap year is counted in our ongoing gap year research.

Exploring gap year options? Check out these resources for finding the right fit:

Carpe Diem_Accredited Gap Year Program
Carpe Diem Education

Use GYA’s Gap Year Planning Guide to help you plan an intentional gap year experience.

Working with a gap year consultant can improve outcomes while saving time, money, and stress.

Need some inspiration? Check out a diverse collection of individual gap year stories submitted by former gappers in the GYA community.

Are you an organization that offers experiences for gap year students? Learn about ways that GYA can help you recruit students and access professional development opportunities:

Irish Gap Year_Accredited Gap Year Program
Irish Gap Year

Gap Year Programs that have earned GYA’s Seal of Accreditation have gone through a rigorous review process to demonstrate that they uphold the highest standards in gap year programming.

GYA offers regular professional development opportunities for professionals in the gap year field, including an annual Gap Year Conference for collective learning and growth within the gap year community.

Programs that are accredited by the Gap Year Association are able to offer college credit through a unique partnership between GYA and Portland State University.

GYA’s Diversity, Equity, Access, & Inclusion Committee is pioneering resources to increase access and diversity within the gap year field.

Network, learn best practices, find resources, and elevate your organization by joining the Gap Year Association as a member.

GYA member programs: log into the Program Dashboard in order to edit your organization’s public profile and/or access GYA’s accreditation application.

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