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
Youth Mental Health First Aid
March 25 & 26, 2024 | 11:30 - 3:00 EST
Adult Mental Health First Aid
April 22 & 23, 2024 | 11:30 - 3:00 EDT
GYA Counselors Institute
April 15, 16 & 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 3:30 EDT
DEIA Committee Meeting
May 23, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 EDT
GYA EXPERIENTIAL CHALLENGE
JUNE - SEPTEMBER, 2024
Sustainability Committee Meeting
June 6, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EDT
GAP YEAR EXPLORATION MONTH
OCTOBER 2024
2024 GAP YEAR SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
November 18, 2024
Professional Member Forum
November 20, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST
Annual GYA All-Member Meeting
December 11, 2024 | 11:00 - 1:30 EST
Professional Member Forum
December 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST
Counselor Discussion Group
January 8, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST
Professional Member Forum
January 29, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 EST
GYA Membership Info Session
November 7, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EDT
Community events
Info sessions and other events being hosted by programs, consultants, and other members in the GYA network. All times listed in U.S. EASTERN TIME.
NEWS & UPDATES
GYA’s EXPERIENTIAL CHALLENGE Campaign is happening now! Visit our campaign page to learn more and select an individual growth challenge to support and read more about our thoughts on how to step out of the comfort zone on the GYA Blog.
Remember to VOTE during your gap year! There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your voice gets counted, even if you won’t be home on Election Day. Check out GYA’s Guide to Voting During Your Gap Year for more guidance.
**GAP YEAR SCHOLARSHIP ALERT** Now accepting applications for TWO different gap year scholarships from students planning 2025 gap year experiences. Applications will remain open until 11/18/24.
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.
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.
Exploring gap year options? Check out these resources for finding the right fit:
Use GYA’s Gap Year Planning Guide to help you plan an intentional gap year experience.
Explore GYA’s large network of gap year programs for a wide range of options.
Working with a gap year consultant can improve outcomes while saving time, money, and stress.
Gap years don’t have to be expensive! Explore options for gap year scholarships and financial aid.
Wondering how to plan for a gap year AND college? Read tips and considerations for gap year-to-college planning.
Need some inspiration? Check out a diverse collection of individual gap year stories submitted by former gappers in the GYA community.
Resources for high school and college counselors, independent education consultants, teachers, higher education professionals, and other educators who want to advocate for gap year options for their students.
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:
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.