#ExploreTheGapYear

GYEM Outreach Toolkit

Gap Year Exploration Month (GYEM) is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement that brings together students, parents, educators, and gap year advocates to explore the transformative power of gap years. Whether you’re sharing your story, educating others, or joining the Gap Year Association, your involvement makes a difference.

Let’s work together this October to spread awareness, inspire exploration, and empower the next generation of gap year students.

Explore ways to get involved in GYEM as a:

> high school counselor or educator

> gap year alum

> family member of a gap year alum

> current GYA counselor, educator, or IEC

> gap year program or consultant

What is Gap Year Exploration Month?

Join us in telling the world to #ExploreTheGapYear.

OCTOBER is Gap Year Exploration Month (GYEM), a global initiative that celebrates the gap year option and aims to inspire more young people to pursue gap years for personal and educational growth. GYEM calls on students, educators, counselors, programs, education experts, and alumni to come together to:

  • Share information about gap year opportunities, both in-person and virtual.
  • Celebrate gap year students and alumni.
  • Support students planning a gap year.
  • Recognize the significant power and benefits of intentional gap years.
  • Build a community of gap year supporters.
  • Boost corporate and governmental support for the gap year movement.
  • Educate schools, colleges & universities, students, and families about the benefits of taking a gap year.

High School Counselors & Educators

As a high school counselor or educator, you play a crucial role in guiding students through their post-secondary options. This October, we’re offering a special promotion just for you: join the Gap Year Association (GYA) for only $10 and gain access to an array of resources designed to help you introduce the gap year option to your students.

  • Resource Packets: Ready-to-use materials to educate students and parents about gap year opportunities.
  • Editable Slide Deck: A customizable presentation to guide your students through the gap year decision-making process.
  • Professional Development Discounts: Save on events that will deepen your understanding of gap years and how to support students in taking this valuable step.
  • Network with Peers and Programs: Connect with other counselors as well as gap year program providers who are passionate about expanding students’ horizons.
  • JOIN TODAY!

This October, take advantage of our $10 membership offer and equip yourself with the tools to help your students explore the gap year option. Let’s work together to ensure every student has the chance to discover their passions and potential.

Gap Year Alumni

Your gap year was a transformative experience, and now you have the opportunity to help others embark on their own journeys. During Gap Year Exploration Month, we’re calling on all gap year alumni to share their stories and advocate for the gap year option.

  • Email Your High School Counselor: Share your gap year experience and the benefits you gained. Encourage them to join GYA and help more students discover this option. [Link to email template]
  • Share your story: Submit a short video or fill out this form to share your gap year story and be featured on our Instagram and TikTok channels.

Families of Gap Year Alumni

As a parent of a gap year alum, you’ve seen firsthand how a gap year can change a young person’s life. This October, we’re inviting you to help other parents and educators learn about this valuable option.

  • Reach Out to Your Student’s High School Counselor: Share your student’s gap year story and the positive outcomes it brought. Encourage them to join GYA and provide more students with this life-changing opportunity. [Link to email template]
  • Spread the Word: Post gap year information or your student’s gap year story on social media using the hashtag #explorethegapyear or share information in-person with friends who have young adult children. [link to social media folder]

By sharing your experiences and advocating for the gap year option, you’re helping to ensure that more students can explore their potential and find the right path for their future.

Current GYA Members: IECs, Counselors & Educators

By sharing your experiences and advocating for the gap year option, you’re helping to ensure that more students can explore their potential and find the right path for their future.

Highlight the importance of gap year education on your social media platforms. Share resources and encourage your audience to spread the word.  [link to social media folder]

Share our GYEM content and resources that will help guide students in exploring gap year options. [Resources for Gap Year Outreach]

Current GYA Members: Gap Year Programs & Consultants

As a gap year program provider or counselor, you understand the profound impact a well-planned gap year can have on a young person’s life. This October, we’re asking you to join us in reaching out to high school counselors and educators, encouraging them to become members of the Gap Year Association.

  • Email Outreach: Send an email blast to the high school counselors in your network, sharing the benefits of gap years and inviting them to join GYA. [link to email template]
  • Social Media Promotion: Highlight the importance of gap year education on your social media platforms. Share resources and encourage your audience to spread the word. [link to social media folder]

Let’s ensure that every high school counselor is equipped to provide their students with the information and support they need to consider a gap year.

Want To Help Plan Gap Year Exploration Month?

Join the GYA Outreach Committee! Contact Committee Chair Julia Rogers at outreach@gapyearassociation.org.

2023 GYEM EVENTS
BECOME AN AMPLIFIER
GAP YEAR STORIES

Get Involved, #ExploretheGapYear!

START HERE >>>

for more details on how you can get involved:

Gap Year Programs
Gap Year Alumni
Parents
High School Counselors
Coaches/Mentors
Educators
College/Career Counselors
Educational Consultants
General Advocates

Every October, the gap year community comes together to connect and amplify the growing gap year movement through Gap Year Exploration Month (GYEM). Here’s how to get involved:

2023 CALL FOR GAP YEAR ALUM VIDEOS

Are you a gap year alum with advice or a story to share? We want you to be a part of our Write Your Own Story campaign this fall! Email outreach@gapyearassociation.org to voice your interest.

FOLLOW GYEM ON GYA’S SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Instagram @gapyearassocation and use #ExploreTheGapYear. Join us in connecting students, educators, consultants, programs, education experts, and gap year alumni to elevate the gap year movement.

2023 CALL FOR GAP YEAR AMPLIFIERS

Are you a gap year alum, parent, educator, school counselor, IEC, or enthusiastic human ready to share information about the gap year option? We are creating a network of Gap Year Amplifiers who will activate this October armed with all the tools necessary to spread the word about gap years. If you want to become an Amplifier this October, start by selecting an action from the options below, then fill out a short form to let us know you’re interested. Once you submit your interest, a member of GYA’s Outreach Committee will follow up with resources and guidance to help you participate!

Become a GYEM Amplifier:

Are you ready to help us share information about the gap year option? We are creating a network of Gap Year Amplifiers who will activate this October armed with all the tools necessary to spread the word about gap years. If you want to become an Amplifier this October, start by selecting an action from the options below, then fill out a short form to let us know you’re interested. Once you submit your interest, a member of GYA’s Outreach Committee will follow up with resources and guidance to help you participate!

Resources & Research

GYEM 2023_Toolkit for programs and organizations

Want to join the gap year movement? Help spread the word with this handy toolkit.

Looking for data on gap years?Download the 2020 gap year alumni survey.

GYA Gap Year Planning Guide cover

Looking for help planning a gap year? Download GYA's Gap Year Planning Guide to get started.

GYEM ARCHIVES

GYEM 2023 Gap Year Alumni Videos

Playlist

9 Videos

GYEM 2023 Webinar: Low-Cost/Affordable Gap Year Options

To conclude Gap Year Exploration Month in 2023, the Gap Year Association hosted a panel discussion on low-cost/affordable gap year options, featuring Elisabet Raquel García of Access Equitable Education, Heather Dirck of AmeriCorps NCCC, and Katherine Stievater of Gap Year Solutions. The conversation covered financial aid resources, fully-funded national service opportunities, and ideas for reducing costs around independent gap year experiences. 

GYEM 2022 Panel of Experts Discusses the Future of Gap Years:

College Confidential and the Gap Year Association presented a panel of experts from Duke University, the Gap Year Association, and AmeriCorps. Panelists discussed how a meaningful gap year can equip students with the necessary skills for future satisfaction in their life, education, and career, and what we can do to normalize the gap year option.

GYEM 2022 Gap Year Alumni Videos:

Playlist

18 Videos
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About GYA

The Gap Year Association is a community committed to advancing the gap year movement through standards of best practice, professional development, research, resources, and advocacy with the ultimate goal of empowering more people to access transformative gap year experiences.

Copyright © 2023 Gap Year Association

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