1. Historical Perspective on Gap Year Aborigines of Australia – “walk about” British model – e.g. William and Harry Also very common in most countries other than U.S. Why hasn’t it become a social trend in the U.S.? Is getting more attention now – e.g. Stanford “Stressed Out Students” study, Fitzsimmons/Harvard recommendations

2. Goals of hosting a Gap Year information program Raise awareness Ease parent concerns Validate the Gap Year option Possible format: host in December when students are starting to get admits from rolling admissions schools. Invite several organizations to give a 5-7 minute presentation each, followed by table fair.

3. Gap Year Options Service Internships Learn a new skill Travel Combination of these

4. Typical Gap Year student profile Bright and bored OR lack sense of direction OR unhappy with current college choices OR has had academic difficulties in traditional school setting and need to do something they’re good at OR needs additional year of maturity

5. Major Benefits of a “Gap” Year Easier to take time when younger Natural break between high school and college K-12 years of schooling = potential burnout Opportunity to choose/create one’s life for a year Relevance of classroom study to the world Explore interests, hands-on learning Find one’s passion Build self-confidence – handle the world on own Gain skills – resume building before college Improve chances for college acceptances Gain clearer sense of college major focus Easier transition from college to the work world

6. Parent Concerns Safety ? (best to use structured programs, esp. if foreign travel is involved) Will they go on to college? (Usually much better students – more focused) Cost? (Student should be expected to contribute) Too old as freshman? (Not as big a deal in college) “Rusting” of study skills Insurance coverage? (May get bumped off parents insurance without fulltime student status)

7. What constitute a successful Gap Year? Structure – limit “downtown” at home Offers a variety of experiences Peer contact Element of “choice” – gives students the opportunity to “create their life” for a year. Gap year decision must be student’s, not the parent’s.

8. The College Admissions perspective Ex. University of Richmond less than 1% defer matriculation. Requires higher deposit fee. 20% of Harvard students take break before graduating Important to pair students with the right “fit” during their “post-Gap” experience.

9. Heidelberg College perspective "A student who participates in a gap year of travel or service will be a student who shines at a small, liberal arts college. The gap experience can enrich the student's attitude in helping others, strengthen their desire for involvement, and broaden their global perspective. Therefore, upon entering college, they are a step ahead of other first - year students. They become obvious leaders in their class, and often times, throughout the entire campus! As Admission Personnel, we find this type of student extraordinary. We get excited when they decide to attend our institution." - Meredith Edwards Assistant Director of Admission Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio

10. Related reading http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research excerpted articles http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research Hopping Off the School Track: Should you Take Some Time Off? Time Off From School: When to Do It, How to Fund it Taking Time Off, A Good Idea? www.gapyear.com The Gap Year Advantage – Carl Hegler and Ray Nelson “Time Out or Burn-out for the Next Genration” – William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Harvard College Ready or Not, Here Life Comes – Mel Levine, MD

11. Examples of Programs Dynamy (65 options, 17 of them domestic) Student Conservation Assoc. (National Parks) AmeriCorps – City Year Red Cross Habitat for Humanity Adventure Challenge Sea Education Outward Bound NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership Skills CIEE (13 th year – around $10,000 includes travel) Australearn (Australia and New Zealand)

12. City Year – an AmeriCorps program City Year is an international service organization that seeks to build democracy by engaging 17 to 24 year olds in ten months of full-time community service. Focused mainly on literacy and mentoring young children, City Year partners with Columbus City Schools to promote academic success as well as build leadership and citizenship skills for the students we serve. Benefits Weekly stipend (taxable) Upon completion of service, $4,725 for higher education (taxable) Health Care coverage and Child Care voucher (if eligible) High quality Timberland uniform COTA Transportation Pass T-Mobile cell phone with plan Why would someone join City Year? More than anything else, participating in City Year is a pathway – a transition. For recent high school graduates, it is a pathway into college or the educational program of their choice. For college students, it is a break from academic theory and a chance to experience and practice what they are cultivating in the classroom. For recent college graduates, it is a transition from an undergraduate degree to graduate work or potentially preparing to enter a career in the field of their choice. For everyone, City Year is a chance to make a real difference, positive difference. Here are a few other skills corps members can take away from City Year. Project management skills Training and professional developmentExperience for a resume or college applicationLeadership skills for a lifetime