Gap Year Students: Any College Scholarships?

I'm thinking about taking a gap year after graduating high school. Do colleges offer scholarships specifically for students who take a gap year? Wondering if there's financial support for this kind of non-traditional path.

While colleges generally don't offer scholarships specifically for students who take a gap year, many institutions are supportive of this choice and will honor previously awarded scholarships when you enroll a year later. It's essential to communicate your gap year decision with your college; they can provide specific guidance on how your financial aid or scholarships will be affected.

There are also external organizations and foundations that provide gap year scholarships. The American Gap Association, for example, offers scholarships based on financial need and merit to students committed to having a purposeful gap year.

However, remember that these scholarships typically cover expenses associated with gap year activities (like travel, volunteer programs, internships, or educational courses), and not college tuition. So it's important to clearly define your gap-year goals, as using this year to engage in meaningful activities can potentially strengthen your college application and open doors to more scholarship opportunities.

Lastly, remember to consider additional funding options, such as paid internships or part-time work, to support yourself financially during your gap year, and to have a clear plan about how you'll use this year fruitfully. Taking a gap year can provide invaluable experiences and personal growth, but the key is ensuring any financial commitments or plans are thoroughly considered.