Students Who Opt for a ‘Gap Year’ Have Options

With thousands of local high school students preparing to complete their journeys in public or private education, the logical question is, “What’s next?” Most high school seniors jump right into college or the workforce after graduation, but some students are increasingly opting to take what’s known as a “gap year.”

A gap year is “a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or postsecondary education, in order to deepen one’s practical, professional and personal awareness,” according to Ethan Knight, executive director and founder of the Gap Year Association, which advocates for such breaks.

“Gap years are nothing new,” says Gerri Jenkins, executive director at MyPath Mahoning Valley. “Wealthy families in centuries past would send their children (primarily their sons) to Europe to broaden their horizons. The parents considered it a necessary step prior to attending college or entering the family business. Of course, such opportunities did not exist for those in poverty, women or people of color, so not everyone could benefit from the experience.”

Today, everyone can take advantage of a gap year. There are many reasons more students are opting for gap years, advocates say. 

Some students need time to figure out their passions and interests or develop their skills before they start college. Some hesitate to make a financial investment into a college education for an uncertain return, and simply choose to save money.

“No one should be heard to say that high school graduates should enroll directly into college, especially if they believe themselves not ready or generally underprepared,” Gerri adds. “Students who take a gap year should use that time wisely and plan their next steps.” 

Mahoning Valley students have several opportunities to earn free and low-cost certificates that will enhance their resumes and provide them with extra skills and competencies. Whether it’s college, career and technical training, the workforce or the military, there are many paths to consider and many ways to get there.

There are also resources and programs available to help students figure out their best paths while they build skills, experience and resumes along the way.

Here are some local resources and programs:

• Local colleges and universities, such as Eastern Gateway Community College, Kent State University’s Trumbull Campus and Youngstown State University, have options and resources for students seeking to ease their way into college.
• Mahoning and Columbiana County Training Association provides career services and job training opportunities.
• Mahoning County Career & Technical Center – Adult Career Center also makes career training opportunities available.
• MyPath Mahoning Valley provides hands-on guidance and resources for students in the areas of college, career and technical training, employment and military.
• National Center for Urban Solutions provides options for classes and certificates. 
• Ohio Means Jobs assists with job searching and information on training.
• Trumbull Career & Technical Center offers programs in many different fields.
• US Army Recruiting Office Steel Valley provides guidance for students considering military service.
• Youngstown State University’s Skills Accelerator and MyInnerGenius are resources to help build in-demand skills through the Excellence Training Center.

For students who plan to enter college after taking a gap year, it’s important to save money for tuition and fees. A blog published by The Scholarship System in late 2021 highlights several ways students can use a gap year to help pay for future college enrollment.

Students should use this intentional time off after high school as a stepping stone to the future. It’s an important time to put together a plan and assess all available options and interests before making a decision.