Grand Prize
- Tuition scholarship up to $5,000 USD
- Mentorship from an expert gap year counselor
- Deadline to apply: Mar 13, 2024
Fairs & Virtual Events
Discover gap year programs at our upcoming events. High school seniors attending gain a bonus scholarship point. Connect with eligible programs and counselors for essential information on your exciting gap year journey!
View ScheduleWho can apply for the scholarships?
Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, ages 17-20, intending to enroll in a participating gap year or summer program during summer 2024 or fall 2024. Applicants who are under 18 must include an email address of a parent or legal guardian who can review and consent to the Terms & Conditions in order for the applicant to apply.
Can't believe that we are giving a way $5,000 and in-kind gap year counseling to one lucky student and $13,500 in additional tuition scholarships? Watch us surprise last year's winner, Ava, who took a gap semester with Where There Be Dragons!
Ava surprise video
What gap year programs can I choose from?
Whether you're dreaming of an international, domestic, or virtual gap year, there are plenty of eligible program options. Explore all 19 participating gap year organizations' program offerings on the participating programs page, or better yet -- meet them at an in-person fair or virtual event. These are the only gap year programs you can apply the scholarship funds towards.
I heard that there are $18,500 in scholarships this year, is that true?
Yes! In 2024, there will actually be 6 lucky winners! In addition to the $5,000 Grand Prize tuition scholarship & in-kind gap year mentorship, these 5 organizations listed below have generously offered dedicated tuition scholarships for their programs.
The Grand Prize winner gets to work with an expert gap year counselor?
Yes! The lucky winner will receive 1:1 mentorship from a participating gap year counselor of their choice. Each accredited counselor has 10+ years of experience working with students, helping students of all ages plan meaningful gap years. The best way to get to know our presenting counselors is to register for an upcoming virtual event!
Holly Bull has placed over 3,300 individuals, including her daughters, in vetted programs in the 38+ years she has been counseling students and adults through the gap-year process. She took her own two gap years before and during college. Founded in 1980, her company, the Center for Interim Programs, is the first and longest-running independent gap year counseling service in the U.S.
Julia Rogers is a traveler, writer, speaker, and professional accredited gap year counselor. She has circled the globe a few times over, always in search of the most inspiring adventures to recommend to gap year students. She believes in the power of intentional travel to transform how we define higher education. Her favorite destinations are Morocco, New Zealand, Laos, and Nepal. When not planning her next adventure, she enjoys playing in the mountains of Stowe, Vermont, where she calls home.
Jason Sarouhan has offered 25 years of his professional career supporting students pursuing experiential education opportunities all over the world. As a former wilderness and international travel guide and program director, Jason is passionate about risk management, leadership, and personal growth.
During my junior year of college I traveled with a group of 18 students around the world. We went to England, India, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand and Colombia in 9 months. The countries and cultures were astounding. The curriculum was real-time and place-based. Our faculty became role models, and our group was a family. Like every known cliché in the book, I came home feeling awed, humbled, confident and inspired to engage my life and learning in new and bolder ways.
What do I need to submit an application?
Starting your application is really easy, but here are a few tips so that you know what to expect. Once Step 1 is complete, you can edit your application up until the deadline on March 13, 2024.
Step 1: Basic Information
- Contact Information (+ Parent/Guardian Information required if under 18)
- High School Information
Step 2: Program & Counselor Selection
- Gap Year Interests
- Select your favorite programs & counselors!
- Apply directly to these organizations to confirm your program eligibility.
Step 3: Personal Essay
- Personal Essay: Tell us why you want to take a gap year!
- Educational Sponsor Contact Information (optional)