Please note that the Amity Regional School District #5 has not conducted any review or background checks of these programs/opportunities. Students should consult with their parents/guardians before deciding to pursue any of these options.
General Gap Year Resources
Universities that support gap years:
Gap Year Scholarships:
Gap Year Fairs & Programs
Gap Year Ideas
Peacecorps - US government-sponsored organization that sends volunteers to developing countries. Must be a US citizen, age 18 or older.
Americorps - Similar to the Peace Corps except that volunteers work within the USA. The organization has many different
volunteer programs that focus on different service areas.
City Year - Education nonprofit organization (affiliated with Americorps) dedicated to helping students and schools succeed. Volunteers serve in schools all day, assisting students with learning the social, emotional and academic skills to succeed in school and in life.
Operation HomePort (OHP) - Provides opportunities to gain invaluable hands-on experience working with children and youth participating in Navy Children & Youth Programs (CYP) Child Development Centers (CDC), School Age Care (SAC), and Teen programs. OHP interns engage in planning and leading developmentally appropriate activities, facilitate and participate in planned activities, supervise and account for the whereabouts of children and youth, and support and facilitate positive, respectful relationships between children, youth, parents, and CYP professionals.
National Outdoor Leadership School - Various wilderness programs that teach survival and leadership skills. Programs run for one week or up to one year with many others in between.
Semester at Sea - Gap year program where students reside on a ship while learning various skills. Some college credits may be earned through a partnership with the Colorado State University.
Verto Education - Offers students semester abroad programs and may earn college credits while participating. Verto also partners with a select group of colleges/universities to create alternative pathways to admission.
Go WWOOFing! - travel the world, earn housing while living on an organic farm. According to their website, “WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community.” As a volunteer, participants will live alongside their hosts while helping with daily tasks and experiencing life as a farmer.
The Blackbird Academy - Professional School of Audio, Nashville, TN.- A unique 6-month program in Live Audio Engineering and Studio Engineering. This program is a mentor-driven, experience-based education. Professional engineers and award-winning guest mentors teach the Blackbird Academy programs.
Gap Year at SOAR - Designed for young adults with ADHS/LDs that have graduated from High School or have a GED. SOAR strives to empower their participants through travel, college classes, and volunteering. Learn to pursue new and existing interests and strengths, develop social skills, increase life skills, and practice independent living.
