Most high school graduates aren’t prepared to be successful in college. Year On bridges the gap between these two very different learning environments, providing students a toolkit of mindsets, habits and skills so they can become their most successful selves.
Year On fellows are diverse, they come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences that make each cohort unique. They may be high school graduates or finishing up their first year of college. The things that make them alike are their focus on building clarity around their personal path, passions and studies. They’re curious, willing to try, and motivated to make change.
Students around the globe have taken gap years for decades as a transition period prior to college; this time “on” often gives them insight and enriches their educational experience. Our curriculum emphasizes agency, emotional intelligence, and awareness of personal habits and biases, allowing students to enter campus with a new sense of insight, maturity, and direction.
Throughout the program they will learn what they don’t like and explore things they might like. Regardless of what your graduate’s next steps are, they will leave Year On more clear on where they’re going, and more confident in their ability to get there.
College is a big step, and nearly 60% of high school graduates don’t feel prepared. If your high schooler struggles with any of the following skills, they may need some time to focus on these capabilities before they start college.
Is excited about college and is driving the process themselves
Self-discipline; completing tasks in a timely manner
Coping with stress and difficult situations
Time management and organization
Can set goals and follow through on them
Organizing his or her thoughts
Is confident standing up to peer pressure
Is comfortable asking for help when they need it
Kaplan COO Lorin Thomas talks to Year On CEO Charlie Taibi and Gapper Daniel Purtell about the benefits and challenges of taking a gap year, and whether it’s right for your family.
of students who take a gap year return to school afterwards
of gappers said their gap year increased their readiness for college
of gappers reported an increase in self-confidence