Accredited Gap Year CONSULTANTS

Photo: The Leap

Currently Accredited GYA Gap Year Consultants

GYA Accredited Gap Year Consultants have agreed to consistently abide by the GYA’s Official Standards of Accreditation

The following consultants have been vetted according to the highest standards for gap year consulting/advising. The review process involves both GYA staff and an external reviewer to ensure quality and consistency in gap year counseling.

Since 2015, Gap Year Solutions has helped hundreds of students across the U.S. plan transformational gap year experiences. Founder Katherine Stievater was the first accredited Gap Year Consultant to focus on the importance of college readiness. While mentoring her students throughout the year, she encourages student ownership and focuses on life skills such as problem solving and decision making. Recently Gap Year Solutions expanded its focus to help teens increase workplace readiness through internship placements and professional skills training. Katherine has four sons who have taken gap years. Families appreciate her deep understanding of today’s teens, and how gap year planning relates to the college process. Katherine is the only accredited Gap Year Consultant who is also a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. She speaks and publishes regularly about the profound impact that gap years have on young adults and regularly travels to see first-hand gap year activities and programs. Katherine encourages students to embrace this unique opportunity to step off the traditional path, be authentic, and continue to discover themselves! Headquartered in Boston, MA. Inquire for pricing. Financial assistance available.


Jane and Jason Sarouhan – the J2 behind J2Guides – have been respected leaders in the field of experiential education for 30 years. They have guided thousands of students through the process of discovering life and learning outside the 4 walls of a classroom, and know firsthand how transformative an intentional gap year can be. Developing authentic relationships with their students, programs and colleagues worldwide is central to Jason and Jane’s approach in making personalized and reputable referrals. Their interactive online training empowers students to dream big as well as face practical considerations, while one-on-one coaching equips gappers with vetted options and strategies for their gap summer, semester or year.
Jane and Jason are the only Gap Year Association (GYA) Accredited Consultants who have held every role in the gap year field from gappers, to field instructors, to program managers, to executive directors. They are past and present board members and committee co-chairs for the GYA, and keynote speakers at the USA Gap Year Fairs. They develop gap year curriculum and workshops, advise programs on best practices, and address media, conferences, and schools nationwide. Jane and Jason invite any family who is curious about a gap year to schedule a free consultation. J2Guides’ fees reflect their commitment to gap year accessibility, with a range of $600 to $2,400 and financial aid available.

EnRoute Consulting envisions a world where high school graduates use a gap year to become more compassionate, driven and resourceful global citizens. Founder Julia Rogers provides gap year students with the guidance needed to maximize the potential of this transformative moment in life. Her personalized approach to gap year planning offers unparalleled support throughout the entire year – from initial planning to college/career transition after a year of life-changing experiences. Packages range from $1,350-$2,350.


Founded in 1980, the Center for Interim Programs is the first independent gap year counseling organization in the United States. Holly Bull and Kate Warren offer over 50 combined years of experience as gap year counselors, program researchers, program directors, overseas volunteers, and gap year students. To date, Interim has worked with more than 8,900 gap year students (of all ages), and researched, visited, and/or vetted over 7,000 programs and placements worldwide. They are sought after as contributors to publications such as the New York Times and Newsweek, keynote speakers for the USA Gap Year Fairs, presenters for NAFSA, NACAC, HECA, IECA, GYA, webinars, and high schools and conferences nationwide. Their highly personal and comprehensive service matches the needs, goals, and budget of each individual with the most suitable and wide ranging opportunities available. Free 90-minute brainstorming session. $2800 for unlimited lifetime service per individual. Needs-based scholarships available each year.


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