Summer Programs
Looking for something to do during the summer or interested in experiencing a college campus?
Here is a list of summer programs available at various colleges. List is updated regularly...be sure to check back!
ScholarAhead - their mission is to connect students with life changing opportunities during the summer, after school or on the weekends. Check their list and filter by type of program, location, discipline and more!
Here is a list of summer programs available at various colleges. List is updated regularly...be sure to check back!
ScholarAhead - their mission is to connect students with life changing opportunities during the summer, after school or on the weekends. Check their list and filter by type of program, location, discipline and more!
Gap Year Information
What is a Gap Year?
Instead of directly pursuing employment or graduate school after graduation, some students choose to engage in a gap year program. A gap year is an opportunity to gain professional or personal experience, accomplish goals, and/or explore one’s interests in the year graduation. Gap years can range from a number of different experiences, including a career-oriented position within a company to expand career development, a year of travel abroad to build cultural knowledge, or a financed research project of one’s own design.
Gap Year Programs typically include work in the U.S. or abroad in a wide variety of fields such as teaching, advocacy, community development, health care, immigrant services, social work, or sustainable development. Programs frequently emphasize philosophies of service to others, peace and justice, enhancing international relationships, and/or “the road less traveled.”
Chicago Tribune Article - How to Maximize a Gap Year
2022 Gap Year Guide
Need some advice with planning a Gap Year?
J2Guides says:
#1 Understand your "Why"
#2 List your Goals & Interests.
#3 Establish your Budget.
Instead of directly pursuing employment or graduate school after graduation, some students choose to engage in a gap year program. A gap year is an opportunity to gain professional or personal experience, accomplish goals, and/or explore one’s interests in the year graduation. Gap years can range from a number of different experiences, including a career-oriented position within a company to expand career development, a year of travel abroad to build cultural knowledge, or a financed research project of one’s own design.
Gap Year Programs typically include work in the U.S. or abroad in a wide variety of fields such as teaching, advocacy, community development, health care, immigrant services, social work, or sustainable development. Programs frequently emphasize philosophies of service to others, peace and justice, enhancing international relationships, and/or “the road less traveled.”
- Many programs also feature a training program prior to the work period, community and independent living, practicing a simple lifestyle, and the ability to defer student loans.
- Many colleges are now encouraging students to take time off, and some have even built gap year-like programs into the curriculum. Universities such as New York University, Amherst College, Princeton University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Middlebury College, Yeshiva University, and Reed College have formal policies allowing students to defer admission.
- Some formal gap year programs can cost as much as $30,000, but there are also cheaper alternatives becoming more widely available, some do this by offering room and board.
Chicago Tribune Article - How to Maximize a Gap Year
2022 Gap Year Guide
Need some advice with planning a Gap Year?
J2Guides says:
#1 Understand your "Why"
- There are no wrong answers, and there may even be multiple answers, but start by articulating why you want to take a gap year. Is it: Academic burn-out? Curiosity about the world? Physical or mental health? Exposure to career or academic paths? Maturity & confidence? Fun & adventure? COVID-19?
#2 List your Goals & Interests.
- Give yourself the gift of an uninhibited brainstorm. What are all of your interests, ideas, hobbies, skills, goals and even places that you would like to explore? Don't hold back, dream big, and see where the process takes you.
#3 Establish your Budget.
- After you have made your dream gap year list, have a transparent conversation as a family about your gap year budget. Understanding your resources will help to shape the above brainstorm in a needed and productive way.